Latest news with #Africa-centric
The South African
23-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
Emerging AI Trends Shaping South Africa's Tech Landscape
In South Africa, the adoption of AI is accelerating, presenting both immense opportunities and significant challenges for the nation's burgeoning tech landscape. From transforming business operations to addressing unique local issues, AI is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's digital future. The integration of AI is becoming increasingly mainstream, moving from experimental phases to practical, results-driven applications across various sectors. South African businesses across multiple sectors are increasingly recognizing AI as a strategic imperative. In the financial services industry, AI is being deployed for sophisticated risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized customer service. Banks like Capitec utilize AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants to offer 24/7 support, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Similarly, Nedbank employs AI for improved security and risk management. The retail sector also sees significant AI integration. E-commerce giant Takealot leverages AI for logistics optimization, managing inventory in real-time, forecasting demand, and ensuring faster deliveries through automated fulfillment centers. Retailers like SPAR are using AI tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, to automate administrative tasks, freeing up employees for higher-value activities. AI-driven automation is a major trend, streamlining operations like data entry, scheduling, and customer support, leading to cost reductions and efficiency gains. Furthermore, AI's capacity for data analysis empowers businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions, identify market trends, and personalize marketing efforts. Startups like DataProphet are providing AI solutions tailored for manufacturing, helping businesses improve processes and efficiency. This broad adoption indicates a shift towards leveraging AI not just for peripheral tasks but for core business functions, enhancing competitiveness and driving innovation. Beyond corporate applications, AI holds significant potential for addressing some of South Africa's unique socio-economic challenges and fostering homegrown innovation. There's a growing interest in how AI can bridge gaps in access to essential services like healthcare, education, and financial services, promoting greater inclusion. Local AI startups are playing a crucial role in this arena. Companies like Aerobotics use drone technology combined with AI analytics to help farmers manage crops more efficiently, potentially boosting the agricultural sector. Lelapa AI is focused on building resource-efficient, Africa-centric AI, including natural language processing for local languages, aiming to counteract biases present in models developed elsewhere. Envisionit Deep AI applies artificial intelligence to medical imaging diagnosis, improving speed and accuracy, particularly in underserved areas. The AI landscape is also seeing diversification into more niche areas reflecting varied human needs and interactions. For instance, platforms offering AI companion chatbots, such as HeraHaven, which allows users to design customized AI girlfriends or boyfriends for conversation and interaction, demonstrate the expanding scope of AI development into social and personal spheres. This burgeoning ecosystem, supported by institutions and government initiatives, highlights a drive to harness AI not only for economic growth but also for societal benefit and tailored solutions. The rapid advancement and adoption of AI in South Africa are not without significant hurdles. A major challenge is the AI skills gap – a shortage of professionals equipped with the necessary technical expertise in areas like machine learning and data science, as well as understanding AI's business and ethical implications. Estimates suggest a large portion of the workforce will require reskilling due to AI integration. Educational institutions and companies face pressure to update training programs and curricula to meet this demand. Furthermore, ethical considerations are paramount. Ensuring AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly, addressing issues like fairness, accountability, transparency, and potential biases, is critical. Concerns about data privacy and the potential for AI to perpetuate existing inequalities need careful management. South Africa is actively working on frameworks, like the National AI Policy Framework, to guide ethical AI development and governance, ensuring alignment with human rights and public interest. There are also ongoing debates about the potential impact of AI on employment, with concerns about job displacement balanced against the potential for AI to augment human capabilities and create new roles. Addressing these challenges through strategic policy, investment in skills development, and fostering public trust will be crucial for realising AI's full potential responsibly. In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is undeniably a transformative force within South Africa's technology sector and beyond. Its ability to drive business efficiency, foster innovation tailored to local contexts, and potentially address deep-seated societal challenges is immense. South African companies are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, while a vibrant startup scene is exploring novel applications. However, navigating the path forward requires careful attention to developing the necessary skills pipeline and establishing robust ethical guidelines to ensure AI benefits all South Africans inclusively and equitably. As the nation continues its digital transformation journey, harnessing AI strategically and responsibly will be key to unlocking sustainable growth and a competitive edge in the global digital economy.
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Promotes Multi-Energy Approach the 15th IEA-IEF-OPEC Symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Calls for End to Anti-Fossil Fuel Narratives
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( – as the voice of the African energy sector - has long-advocated for a multi-energy approach in Africa, whereby investments in multiple energy sources fuel industrialization and electrification. With 600 million people currently living without access to electricity and 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions, the continent requires all of its energy resources to address its energy crisis. Yet, organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) continue to perpetuate the myth that Africa can meet its energy needs without oil and gas. While an immediate shift to renewable energy may work in Western nations, this approach is not feasible in Africa. As such, the AEC is calling for an end to anti-fossil fuel narratives in Africa. Similar calls were heard at the 15 th IEA-IEF-OPEC Symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Tommy Joyce, Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy, spoke with passion about oil and gas and its role in combating energy poverty in Africa. The AEC's Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk participated at the Symposium, underscoring the need for an Africa-centric approach to energy development. Other participants that attended included Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy; Haitham Al-Ghais OPEC Secretary General; Jassim Al Shirawi Secretary General, International Energy Forum; Keisuke Sadamori, Director, Energy Markets and Security, International Energy Agency and US representatives. Africa cannot adopt the same model as western nations have done in its energy transition, or the continent risks falling deeper into energy poverty. Given the continent's reliance on oil and gas, its lack of requisite infrastructure to rapidly transition to renewable energy, its growing population and differentiated and complex energy needs, this approach would only exacerbate its crisis. South Africa, for example, Africa's largest economy, relies on coal for 72% of its electricity. Operational challenges at its coal-fired generation facilities in recent years have plunged the country into an energy crisis, with load-shedding impacting business, industry and economic activity. Yet, South Africa, like many of its regional neighbors, holds the promise of a clean and affordable power generation solution: natural gas. Natural gas has been dubbed the fuel of the future in Africa. With over 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven resources and a significant portion of the continent's basins still underexplored, gas monetization stands to power Africa's economies, offering a low-cost, low-carbon energy solution. Gas-to-power projects would address the very energy crisis that has impacted its economic growth for years. It would also enable exports to regional neighbors such as Zimbabwe, which also grapple with lack of adequate energy supply. Yet, the IEA has called for an end to new gas projects, citing the need to prioritize renewable energy utilization over this widely-available resource. The organization has claimed that existing oil and gas fields are more than enough, yet reality shows a vastly different story. One cannot look at South Africa and believe this to be true. The same can be said for Mozambique, which has been a regional leader in renewable energy through its hydropower projects. Yet only 40% of the country has access to electricity. Recent discoveries have placed Mozambique's gas resources to upwards of 100 tcf, with major upcoming LNG developments offering a strategic opportunity for the country to boost domestic electrification. An integrated and diverse energy mix would work well in Mozambique, just as it would in Angola, Tanzania, Senegal, Mauritania, Republic of Congo and many more African nations. Fundamentally, African countries are the best positioned to address their own complex energy needs. While oil and gas may be considered 'dirty words' in Paris, London or New York, hydrocarbons present cleaner alternatives to the solid biomass and kerosene that 85% of Africans use to cook their food today. 'To help end energy poverty in Africa, global institutions like the IEA must cease perpetuating the myth that Africa can meet its population's needs without fossil fuels or can afford to sacrifice economic development for externally imposed climate goals. Europe, the United States and China have made incredible strides in addressing malnutrition, life expectancy and disease by powering economic growth with uninhibited access to coal, oil and natural gas. Why can't we?' NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, referencing the Symposium. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
RegTech Africa Conference Expands Advisory Council to Drive Greater Impact at Global, Continental, and National Levels
In a strategic move to amplify its influence and effectiveness, the Organizing Committee of the RegTech Africa ( Conference has announced the expansion of its Advisory Council into three dynamic tiers: Global, Continental, and National. This development aligns with the conference's commitment to fostering transformative dialogue and partnerships that will redefine Africa's economic future through collaboration and innovation. The expanded Advisory Council brings together an exceptional roster of experts and thought leaders from across the globe, representing diverse sectors and regions. These distinguished individuals will provide strategic guidance and thought leadership to ensure the success of the 2025 RegTech Africa Conference and Awards, scheduled to take place on May 22-23, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. Themed ' Unlocking Africa's Cross-Border Payments, Trade, and Investment Opportunities through Public-Private Partnerships,' the conference is poised to address critical issues and forge actionable solutions for Africa's economic integration and growth. Expanded Advisory Council Composition The expanded Advisory Council brings together a distinguished group of thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers who will guide the conference in delivering tangible impact. Global Council: Representing the international perspective, these leaders will provide strategic oversight and global insights: Bob Trojan – Global expert in regulatory innovation. Diane Maurice – Specialist in global financial systems. Mustapha Zaouini – Visionary in financial technology and cross-border trade. Continental Council: Comprising key voices from across Africa, these members will ensure the conference addresses Africa-centric challenges and opportunities: Abeneazer Wondwossen Lakew – Advocate for Africa's digital financial transformation. Chuma Qwalela – Expert in trade facilitation and economic policy. Osioke Ojior – Thought leader in RegTech and digital innovation. Arnold Karanja – Specialist in regulatory compliance and trade infrastructure. Portia Ndlovu – Champion of financial inclusion and investment. Kofo Dougan – Innovator in cross-border payments and fintech solutions. Nolwazi Hlophe – Leader in policy harmonization and economic integration. National Council: Grounded in local expertise, these members will focus on Nigeria's role as a gateway to Africa's economic potential: Muazu Umaru – Advocate for regulatory modernization and financial ecosystems. Umar Yakubu – Expert in compliance and anti-corruption frameworks. Joyce Akpata – Leader in public-private sector collaboration. Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang – Innovator in economic development strategies. A New Chapter for the RegTech Africa Conference The expansion of the Advisory Council underscores the conference's unwavering commitment to advancing Africa's economic integration through innovation and collaboration. The tripartite structure ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing global trends, continental challenges, and national priorities. Speaking on this milestone, Cyril Okoroigwe, Organizing Committee Chairman, said: 'The expansion of our Advisory Council marks a pivotal step in the evolution of the RegTech Africa Conference. By harnessing the expertise of leaders at the global, continental, and national levels, we are better positioned to foster impactful dialogue, shape policy, and drive actionable outcomes that will unlock Africa's immense potential.' Join the Conversation The 2025 RegTech Africa Conference and Awards is set to be a transformative gathering of global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders. With its expanded Advisory Council at the helm, the conference will serve as a platform for advancing cross-border payments, harmonizing trade policies, and attracting investment opportunities through Public-Private Partnerships. To learn more about the conference, visit Call for Partnerships and Sponsorships Organizations, governments, and investors are invited to collaborate and participate in this landmark event. As a partner or sponsor, you can: Gain global visibility. Demonstrate leadership in Africa's economic transformation. Forge strategic relationships with influential decision-makers. 'By partnering with the 2025 RegTech Africa Conference, you become an integral part of Africa's journey toward economic integration and prosperity,' said Olusanmi Graham Lawal, Director, Partnership. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RegTech Africa. For more details on sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact: info@ About RegTech Africa Conference: The RegTech Africa Conference is a leading platform dedicated to fostering innovation in regulatory technology across the continent. With a focus on collaboration and impact, the conference drives initiatives that accelerate Africa's economic growth and financial inclusion.
