THIS week, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm awarded the pioneers of machine learning a Nobel prize in physics. Geoffrey Hinton, fondly known as the ‘godfather of AI’, and John Hopfield were honoured for “foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks”.
The win, which fortuitously coincided with this week’s AI-themed Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC), reinforces the global importance of AI as vital for the 21st century. It is encouraging that within this context, Africa is emerging as a key player in AI adoption.
In South Africa, data shows more than 60% of workers regularly use generative AI, and nearly 85% are interested in AI training. This drive leaves South Africa well-positioned for growth in an increasingly tech-enabled economy, with the market set to reach R6.9 billion by 2025.
However, there is growing realisation that Africa must focus on developing its own AI solutions to address its unique needs and opportunities. Professor Benjamin Rosman of Wits University urged SATNAC delegates that Africa must move beyond simply using AI and instead become a developer of AI solutions tailored to its unique challenges.
Instead of merely replicating the West’s approach, Africa must chart its own AI path. Although we still have some way to go, our path is driven by local needs, fuelled by a wealth of untapped data, and focused on building a future of technological sovereignty.
Rosman said “shifting from consumer to creator will allow Africa to harness the power of AI to address its own problems and drive progress. This requires nurturing local talent, fostering innovation, and empowering African people to leverage AI for their specific needs.”
As more and more businesses recognise AI’s ability to streamline operations, boost productivity and drive innovation. This burgeoning ecosystem holds immense promise for transforming industries, addressing societal challenges, and positioning South Africa as a global leader in responsible AI development.
Building AI that matters
To achieve this, requires a fundamental shift in perspective, moving away from a consumer mindset to one of innovation and ownership.
As Mark Nasila, author of “African Artificial Intelligence: Discovering Africa’s AI Identity,” argues, Africa must view data as its most valuable resource, akin to gold or platinum. This data, reflecting the continent’s diverse population, unique challenges, and untapped potential, holds the key to unlocking AI solutions tailored to African contexts.
It’s about strategically leveraging AI to generate tangible, real-world impact, addressing our unique socio-economic challenges and driving sustainable progress.
Telkom is already witnessing this potential translate into tangible outcomes. We are strategically deploying AI to optimise our network infrastructure, extending connectivity to underserved communities and bridging the digital divide.
Our several investments in AI, including platform specifically engineered for local language processing, exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that language does not become a barrier to participation in the digital economy.
What’s more, we are informed largely by a ‘digital first’ approach. While there is always an option for human interaction, we have a vision to enable our customers to be able to perform any service online without the need for a human agent.
But recognising that the rise of AI necessitates a parallel investment in human capital, we are also committed to equipping our workforce with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Our robust upskilling and reskilling programmes are designed to foster a future-ready workforce, capable of adapting to the evolving demands of the digital age.
AI requires commitment
Complacency is not an option. To be a leader requires a collective commitment from ICT leaders to embrace a new era of boldness, collaboration, and strategic foresight. It is encouraging that at policy level, there is recognition that collaboration, with a strong sense of urgency, is what will enable South Africa to benefit from AI as a technological tool to drive both social and economic progress.
The ICT industry is aligned with the Government’s collaborative approach, reaffirmed this SATNAC by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.
We must dismantle the silos that often hinder progress, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that brings together government, industry, and academia, through events like SATNAC.
By sharing knowledge, pooling resources, and working in unison, we can create an environment where AI innovation flourishes. Because investing in local talent is not merely a social responsibility; it is an economic imperative.
South Africa is home to exceptional talent with the potential to become global leaders in AI. We must nurture this talent pool by supporting young people with access to education and research initiatives the of the ICT industry and various academic institutions through the Telkom Centre of Excellence Programme.
The next generation of AI innovators is poised to emerge; it is our responsibility to empower them to shape the future. As we develop and deploy AI solutions, we must do so responsibly, ethically, and with a deep understanding of the potential societal impact.
Fairness, transparency, and accountability must be the bedrock of our AI journey, ensuring that these powerful technologies are harnessed for the greater good, benefiting us all.