SA’s Warp Development acquires Xibon AI to accelerate strategic AI capabilities and strengthen global competitiveness, marking a major leap forward in integrating next-gen AI across key industries, from fintech to retail.
Warp Development, a leading South African software development consultancy specialising in custom software, ecommerce platforms and system integrations, has acquired cutting-edge AI company Xibon AI in a move that significantly fast-tracks its artificial intelligence capabilities and global expansion.
Headquartered in Cape Town with additional offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Adelaide, Australia and Atlanta, USA, Warp Development has been delivering innovative tech solutions since 2002. Their client base spans Africa, Australia, North and South America, and Europe, with a strong reputation for solving complex business problems through custom-built digital solutions.
This acquisition signals a bold strategic shift: one that positions Warp Development as a formidable player in AI innovation both locally and globally. The move enables Warp to integrate advanced AI technologies—like autonomous agents, digital twins, and machine learning—into its already robust suite of services, delivering practical, ROI-driven outcomes for businesses across sectors.
According to Warp Development co-founder and Director Adriën Erasmus, the acquisition is both a strategic investment in talent and a tactical play to accelerate time-to-market for advanced solutions.
“AI isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business imperative,” says Erasmus. “Bringing Xibon AI’s top-tier team and IP into the Warp family allows us to rapidly prototype, deploy and scale intelligent systems that drive measurable impact. It future proofs our offering and positions us to lead the next wave of digital transformation.”
Xibon AI has been at the forefront of building intelligent technologies that solve real-world challenges—automating complex workflows, boosting operational efficiency, and unlocking powerful data insights through smart applications.
The acquisition has already driven a strong financial upswing across South African, US, European and Australian operations, reinforcing Warp Development’s position in these key growth markets. It also supports the company’s goal of becoming a 24/7 global service provider, with a sharper focus on expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.
Practically, the integration will prioritise embedding AI into Warp’s full service offering and enhance how the company approaches new product builds and uplifts legacy platforms that would otherwise have remained antiquated. It also opens the door for Warp to work with existing clients to strategically implement AI within their operations, from customer service and logistics to finance and retail intelligence.
With AI adoption ramping up across South Africa’s fintech, manufacturing, logistics, wholesale and retail sectors, the timing of the acquisition is critical. Businesses increasingly seek partners who can demystify AI and deliver tangible benefits—from streamlining customer service to automating outdated systems and unlocking new revenue streams.
“South African businesses need AI solutions that are practical, scalable and built for impact,” says Erasmus. “This deal allows us to meet that need head-on, with tailored technology that evolves with our clients’ businesses and drives transformation at every level.”
The merger combines Warp’s two-decade legacy in software engineering with Xibon AI’s pioneering approach to next-generation intelligence, creating a powerful synergy that sets new benchmarks for local and global clients.
“Ultimately, combining our longstanding track record with Xibon AI’s innovative approach creates a powerful synergy that sets new industry benchmarks, ensuring we stay competitive today and remain prepared for the technological challenges of tomorrow,” says Erasmus.
