The African SAP User Group (AFSUG) has officially launched its SAP Licensing Forum, a dedicated platform designed to help customers navigate one of the most complex areas of their SAP landscape: licensing, agreements, contracts, and the strategic architecture that shapes long-term IT decisions.
The forum forms part of AFSUG’s continued commitment to strengthening customer knowledge, ensuring transparency, and creating a space where organisations can openly discuss licensing challenges, experiences, and best practices with peers and global experts.
A Forum Built for Customers, Driven by Real Conversations
This new initiative—The SAP Customer License Forum: Where Real Conversations Drive Real Insights—brings together SAP customers who manage licensing portfolios and commercial agreements to Connect, Collaborate, and Explore what’s next in their SAP journey.
Licensing remains one of SAP customers’ most critical and often misunderstood areas. The forum aims to simplify the complexity by:
- Helping customers understand context behind changing SAP licensing models
- Providing practical interpretations of SAP guidance and global trends
- Sharing real-world experiences from customers across industries
- Creating a neutral platform for open discussion and questions
- Highlighting global insights from SUGEN (SAP User Group Executive Network)
Leadership & Global Collaboration
Duke Mathebula, Chairman of AFSUG and Trident Steel CIO, plays a central role in shaping this initiative. As a member of the SUGEN Licensing Charter, he collaborates with SAP user groups across the world, ensuring that African SAP customers gain the benefit of global perspectives, unified feedback, and emerging best practices.
“Licensing shouldn’t be a barrier to innovation,” Mathebula notes. “This forum gives customers the clarity and confidence they need to make informed strategic decisions.”
Expert Global Speakers
The launch session features highly regarded SAP licensing specialists who bring deep experience from Europe’s most mature SAP user communities:
- Roy Halvorsen – Orkla IT AS
- Einar Berg – Nortura
- Bushy Thebehali – Aspen Pharmacare standing in for Duke Mathebula – Trident Steel & AFSUG Chairman
These speakers shared real case studies, lessons learned from contract negotiations, and a look into international licensing trends affecting all SAP customers.
A Strategic Step Forward for SAP Customers
AFSUG believes this forum will become a cornerstone for organisations seeking transparency, peer insight, and stronger negotiation footing in their SAP contracts.
The forum is exclusive to SAP customers, ensuring a trusted environment where open dialogue can thrive.