Synapse - Africa’s 4IR Trade & Innovation Magazine - 1st Quarter 2024 Issue 22

AFRICAN UNION

GOOGLE opens new cloud region in Africa

AI JOB DYNAMICS in South Africa

GUEST EDITORS

REGIONAL EDITORS

Natasha Ochiel (Kenya) Co-Founder | CEO The AI Centre of Excellence natasha@aiceafrica.com

natasha-ochiel

In a bid to champion Artificial Intelligence in Africa, she co-founded the AI Centre of Excellence that aims to build sustainable value for AI in Africa by building capacity, building demand and building AI solutions through the Centre in Kenya.

Darlington Akogo (Ghana) CEO, minoHealth AI / KaraAgro AI & Member of United Nations ITU & WHO Focus Group on AI For Health

darlingtonakogo

Darlington Akogo is a global leader in Artificial Intelligence. He's the Founder and Director of Artificial Intelligence at GUDRA, and its subsidiaries; minoHealth; an AI Healthtech company based in Ghana.

Naomi Molefe

MSc, Manager: Strategic Sourcing and Research at Discovery & Co-Founder & Chapter Director Women In Big Data, South Africa

naomimolefe

aomi is the co-Founder and Chapter Director for women in Big Data SA; a registered NPO that is part of a global community of 17 000 women. The learning community works with strategic partners to cultivate tangible opportunities for women, unlock latent potential through accessible training and act as a catalyst for the advancement of women in Big Data fields. N

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR

For 25 years, I have been an accomplished IT professional who is skilled in multiple languages with a strong background in development, security, digital forensics, automation, AI, management, and teaching. Through my work, I have been exposed to various industries, influenced public opinion, and networked with innovative leaders. As a roving Guest Editor, I write about new technologies that are reshaping the world such as Artificial Intelligence, VR & AR, Cybersecurity, Web3 and more.

Deon Van Zyl (Norway) Senior System Developer Nordic Semiconductor

deonvanzyl

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

Dr Nick Bradshaw Editor & CEO

AI Media Group

nickbradshaw

Nick is a Tech focused Executive / Entrepreneur helping clients, communities, practitioners & start-ups understand the value of Artificial Intelligence, Automation & Digital solutions in EMEA region. With 25 years experience in Europe, North America & Africa Nick has worked with a diverse set of Multi $bn global clients seeking to deploy and mature Enterprise grade software & cloud solutions. He is founder of the AI Media Group a new hybrid media, events, consulting & trade community offering clients insights into the growing 4IR opportunity in Africa. AI Media publish Synapse Magazine and run Africa’s largest Enterprise AI Trade Show – AI Expo Africa."

ABOUT SYNAPSE MAGAZINE

Synapse Magazine chronicles the 4th Industrial Revolution as it unfolds in Africa and plays a vital part in connecting the members of this rapidly growing trade community across the region. With a global readership, it puts Africa centre stage with a clear focus on the African 4IR innovation & investment narrative. We cover a range of technologies including; artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent automation (IA), robotic process automation (RPA), internet of things (IoT), big data, analytics & devices, as well as emerging standards, ethics and privacy concerns. Now entering its 6th year of publication, this unique quarterly trade publication is FREE to read on the ISSUU platform.

Welcome to the Q1 edition of Synapse, the 22nd publication of our magazine. Before I forget, Happy New Year !! Is it too late to say that? Well …. its been busy busy busy at AI Media HQ. Its only week 12 of the year but it feels like June! I guess thats a reflection of just how quickly things are moving in our industry at the moment. The NVIDIA CEO keynote at GTC this month highlighted the new era of AI we are all moving into. Nothing seems impossible right now and the demos of new platforms, products and services is a relentless weekly occurrence - its hard to keep up! This presents us with many opportunities but also challenges. It’s never been a better time to be data scientist, ML engineer or Gen AI “Prompt Consultant”. But how are CxOs supposed to navigate all the choices? How can governments stay on top of this ever changing landscape. Well one of the ways is to accept that AI and intelligent automation is here to stay, start educating yourself about how it’s impacting your industry, consider the local and regional vendor and partner community and how they are helping companies deploy these technologies responsibly and engage experts / lawyers to ensure you have the right policy frameworks in place are just a few suggestions. With the ratification into law fo the new EU Act and the recent AU announcements on the African AI continental strategy things are moving at pace. We are also starting to see AI policies emerging at the City Government level in some parts of the world which can only be a good thing but for many in Africa these technologies are still yet but a pipe dream. Lets not forget that! Its easy to get lost in the hype and frustrated that in some cases things seem to be moving slowly. Enjoy the 22nd Edition of Synapse where we highlight some of these developments and issues and be sure to sign up for the 7th Edition of AI Expo Africa https:// aiexpoafrica.com/ in Johannesburg 30-31st October and join the newly created South African AI Association https://saaiassociation.co.za/

PUBLISHER

AI Media Group

Web www.aimediagroup.co.za

EDITOR

Nick Bradshaw

GUEST EDITORS

Natasha Ochiel (Kenya)

Darlington Akogo (Ghana)

Naomi Molefe (South Africa)

Deon Van Zyl (Global)

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES enquiries@aiexpoafrica.com

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & ADMIN

Mia Muylaert

mia.muylaert@aiexpoafrica.com

LAYOUT, DESIGN & PRINT

Karin Liebenberg

iCandy Design

Email: karinl@icandydesign.co.za

COVER IMAGE CREDIT

Alison Jacobson

Director at The Field Institute, South Africa (created using Mid Journey)

Contents

1st QUARTER 2024

AI Expo Africa 2023: Shots from the show floor p4

Oxford insights launch latest AI readiness index covering trends in Africa

2 AI Expo Africa lands in Jozi

4 AI Expo Africa 2023: Shots from the show floor

8 Navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in organisations

11 Keeping it contained: Building AI chatbots to deliver exceptional CX

12 AI continental white paper and roadmap launched

15 Google opens Joburg cloud region

16 AI Governance Alliance debuts research reports on AI guidelines

18 Oxford insights launch latest AI readiness index covering trends in Africa

20 How artificial intelligence affects the financial sector In Africa

22 Nvidia CEO Huang says countries must build sovereign AI infrastructure

23 Artificial Intelligence Act: MEPs adopt landmark law

24 Sora: Homemade video - Nigeria in 2056

27 Lengo AI empowers Africa’s corner shops with data magic

28 Liquid C2 partners with Google Cloud and Anthropic to bring advanced cloud, cyber security and generative AI capabilities to Africa

30 AI changes the world and SA’s tech jobs market

33 Re-imagining business operations with the power of AI

35 Tanzanian judiciary introduces AI for enhanced efficiency

38 Samsung unleashes AI on Galaxy S24 series

40 A new era of generative AI for everyone

43 Humans and AI – Exploring the cycle of complementary coexistence

44 Exploring the uncanny: AI hallucinations and the intriguing intersection of technology and perception

48 Building an entire intelligent agent workforce with AutoGen

50 Harnessing the power of data: The Matogen applied insights revolution

p28

Liquid C2 partners with Google Cloud and Anthropic to bring advanced cloud, cyber security and generative AI capabilities to Africa

p38

Samsung unleashes AI on Galaxy S24 series

Lengo AI empowers Africa’s corner shops with data magic

p18 p27

JOHANNESBURG WELCOMED THE LARGEST GATHERING OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EXPERTS IN AFRICA

Africa’s largest Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Automation event, AI Expo Africa, kicked off at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa 2-3 November and was a massive success.

This was the 6th annual running of AI Expo Africa uniting regional and international suppliers of the latest cutting edge 4IR technologies, from the biggest global brands to the smallest and newest local SMMEs. The core focus of the show is real world applications you can deploy today with an audience comprised of Enterprise and Government buyers, deployment & service providers, start-ups, educators, NGOs and ecosystem builders.

Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention & Event Bureau stated that, “The Gauteng Region has a significant and growing tech ecosystem focused on 4IR technologies and we are really happy to see our regional SMMEs being represented in numbers at AI Expo Africa. The event is aimed at helping connect buyers and suppliers around one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. AI is impacting all industries and certain aspects of society so its key we as a region, and a nation, have a focus on this sector as it’s a key pillar of our ICT activities and we want to showcase the local ecosystem to regional and international audience.”

With a community of 50k+ practitioners, the show format is built upon the phenomenal success of the previous annual events that have cemented AI Expo Africa as the largest business gathering of its kind, attended by Enterprise buyers, Governments, 4IR practitioners, decision makers, international trade missions, vendors, SMMEs and global brands.

Dr Nick Bradshaw, CEO & Founder of AI Expo Africa stated, “This was our 6th Anniversary Edition and biggest show to-date, with over 100 brands in the expo hall, many of which are local and regional SMMEs. The buzz since the launch of ChatGPT and generative AI trend shows no evidence of slowing and we were joined by a whole new category of companies and speakers discussing the latest tools and techniques that anyone can get to grips with. The show was attended by 1500+ delegates and we welcomed 50+ speakers plus a range of show features like; the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Women in AI Pavilion, the Start-up Zone, a University R&D Poster Zone, a Gen AI / VR / Robot showcase all glued together by seven networking sessions and four Skills Workshops. We know that multiple VCs identified local tech companies they want to invest in and with new start-ups exhibiting at the show with one announcing an investment deal earlier in 2024.”

The GIZ Women in AI Pavilion showcased nine innovative smart technology start-ups led by women. The Digital Skills for Jobs and Income project implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German government (BMZ) is committed to empowering and improving young women and girls' digital skills and facilitating integration into South Africa's burgeoning digital economy. "Facilitating networking opportunities and showcasing inspirational female role models within the digital economy is of paramount importance to enhance women's participation in South Africa's digital transformation," emphasized Godfrey Nkosi, the dedicated technical advisor at GIZ.

Join us at AI Expo Africa 2024 at SCC on 30-31 October 2024. This will be the 7th edition of the show with approx. 1700-1800 delegates.

Learn more and register at www.aiexpoafrica.com

Navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in organisations

In a world where Generative AI has taken us by storm, organisations are under a lot of pressure not to fall behind. Executives and technology leaders strive to innovate and remain competitive, while they are also concerned about the risks associated with AI, including its impact on the workforce. In this article, we will explore these issues and provide practical recommendations for organisations seeking to embrace AI for sustainable growth and success.

The bandwagon that is Generative AI

Generative AI (GenAI) is a rapidly evolving branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can generate artefacts previously created predominantly by humans. It can personalise customer experiences, summarise documents, and even write computer code to accelerate software development. However, with numerous exciting applications, how can organisations prioritise their efforts? While it might be an exciting GenAI use case to create a video of a unicorn composing classical music on Mars, one must ask how would this application help your organisation increase its bottom line?

With 2024 being a critical year, GenAI is being considered and used in transforming the way businesses operate. Progressive success will be exhibited by organisations that are successful in pairing AI with their business strategy and weaving technology into the fabric of their operations. This means, starting with the critical business objectives and using AI to accelerate its achievement. Through this exercise, the organisations can address key challenges of data, processes and people to create an ecosystem that is primed to embrace AI. This then becomes a repeatable recipe for leveraging AI in the next strategic goal.

Safeguarding your organisation against the risks of AI

AI presents a wealth of opportunities for organisations, but it also comes with inherent risks including ethical concerns, bias, hallucination, lack of transparency and data privacy. The use of AI as a black box, without transparency in the decision-making process, can have severe consequences. For instance, an AI algorithm may unintentionally exclude certain demographics from accessing some facilities. This could be due to a lack of diversity in the training data or the parameters in the algorithm being biased towards a specific outcome presenting an ethical risk. Additionally, the model may generate high-confidence responses that appear to be based on real data but are not grounded in the training data, resulting in hallucinations. Trust in AI is not inherent; it must be intentionally built with the values and objectives of the organisation in mind.

The need for proactive AI governance in organisations

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, regulatory bodies worldwide are still grappling with the implications of AI on public interest and safety with the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, the EU AI Act, only coming into effect in December 2023. As such, organisations cannot solely rely on regulation to ensure compliance. Instead, they must proactively establish their guardrails

Author: Jania Okwechime, PhD Partner | AI and Data Deloitte Africa

and frameworks to fully embrace AI with confidence.

At Deloitte, we recognise this need and have developed our Trustworthy AI TM framework through our Global AI Institute. This framework guides organisations in building trust within their AI ecosystem through six pillars: fair and impartial, robust and reliable, transparent and explainable, safe and secure, accountable and responsible, and respectful of privacy.

The goal of such an AI governance framework is to provide clear guidelines and actions to mitigate AI risks. This entails putting processes in place to check for diversity in the data and defining a risk rating system for AI applications to determine the level of due diligence and frequency of re-training required. Putting controls in place in the form of a human in the loop to create accountability and reliability and ensuring compliance with various data privacy regulations acts such as GDPR, NDPR and the POPI Act.

The role of leadership in building an AI-ready organisation

Leadership plays a critical role in building an organisation that can confidently embrace AI and innovate while maintaining the trust of its customers and staff. This involves establishing a strong governance framework and fostering a culture of innovation, ethics and trust.

The board sets the tone at the top, promoting a disruptor’s mindset and cascading a culture of innovation and ethical values throughout the organisation. Leadership at all levels must take practical steps to build AI fluency, working closely with technology leaders to align the organisation’s strategic goals with its AI initiatives. This enables the harnessing of technology for business growth, cost reduction and improved customer and employee experiences.

Leadership should act as an enabler, carefully sponsoring the organisation’s AI maturity journey through investment in technology, talent and capability building. Promoting policies and frameworks for trustworthy AI is essential, as is understanding the implications of AI on talent and embracing a culture of change and continued education. By working with trusted advisors and alliance ecosystems, leadership can transform roles within the organisation, future-proofing the business in an era where AI becomes the fabric of the business.

KEEPING IT C ONTAINED:

Building AI Chatbots to Deliver Exceptional CX

/ By Doug McNeilage /

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the customer engagement landscape. As consumer expectations grow and budgets shrink, companies can’t hire their way to great CX. So, AI presents significant opportunities for companies to excel at customer engagement while delivering ROI.

Organizations are using AI in the contact centre in several impactful ways – from generating after call work to knowledge suggestion – and one area with proven business value is chatbots (as long as they’re well-designed).

Done right, this technology can quickly answer customer queries, automate tasks and, ultimately, ease the burden on customer service agents through increasing containment.

What Value do Chatbots Bring to Customer Engagement?

A well-built chatbot, or Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA), anticipates customers’ needs and provides actionable assistance, meaning that people can resolve their issues within a digital or voice conversation without any escalation to a human agent.

Intelligence accessed through API connections also enables chatbots to offer personalized customer experiences and answer questions differently for each customer (‘When is my auto loan due?’ or ‘Are calls to Mauritius included in my plan?’) as well as acting as a triage and routing tool for brands.

However, even if you have a sophisticated chatbot, there are still issues that are best handled by a human agent. In these cases, the bot should be able to detect when a conversation needs to be escalated and handover the customer to the best available agent to help resolve their issues with context.

Steps to Take When Building an AI Chatbot for Customer Service

1. Understand the goal: The aim of an AIpowered chatbot should be to effectively resolve customer inquiries, while also reducing agent workload. Analysing the

most common customer intents is the best place to start. This will help brands understand where introducing automation will have the biggest impact.

2. Train the bot: Your IVA is only as good as the data it’s trained on. The most useful behavioural data comes from customer and agent interactions collected from across every engagement channel, as well as surveys or other feedback mechanisms. By using large language models to process this behavioural data bots can be trained and made more conversational.

3. Analyse and optimize: Build a systematized method of gathering feedback and measuring performance to ensure your bot is continually improving. To constantly optimize the IVA, it’s vital to know how accurately it can recognize a customer’s intent, as well as whether the advice or direction provided is also successful.

Open and Rich Data Is Vital for Effective Containment

The key component that's knitting these functions and experiences together is engagement data. Containing a conversation within a bot interaction is the end point in a successful AI strategy. Getting to this

point requires bots to understand customer behaviour and trends, which is only possible when interactions across every engagement channel are recorded, analysed and acted upon. This builds a deep understanding of customer needs and expectations, meaning a more personalized and efficient service is delivered by a company’s IVA. It’s also key for companies to operate on an open platform which ensures all applications that work alongside containment bots and contribute to exceptional CX are powered by rich data and continually improving customers’ experiences.

How to Choose an IVA Partner

Because there are several hundred bot providers in the marketplace, you need to be wise when choosing a partner to work with. Many, maybe even most, chatbot providers are technology firms with experience in areas such as linguistics and machine learning.

Building an IVA is about so much more than just the technology; a partner with the experience in your chosen area can make it more straightforward to hit the ground running with models specific to your business. This helps you find the best use cases, integrate the IVA into common backend systems, give you a strong leg up in industry-specific dictionaries and concepts, and provide you with best practices that are actually relevant to your specific situation.

Douglas McNeilage is the in-country lead and regional director for Verint, South Africa.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasmcneilage-370b3b29/

AI CONTINENTAL WHITE PAPER AND ROADMAP LAUNCHED

/ Read original article here /

AIs it too bold to believe Africa can be at the forefront of the AI revolution?

We do not think so, and here is why.

mid the rapid global advancements in technology, the AUDA NEPAD AI Dialogue illuminated Africa's ambitious path towards becoming an epicentre in the AI and robotics sectors.

On February 29, 2024, stakeholders from across the continent and beyond convened to chart a course for Africa's digital evolution. This event, marked by insightful discussions and the unveiling of strategic documents, has forged a new path for the continent's journey towards becoming a leader in the digital economy.

A New Dawn for Africa’s Technological Future

Prof Aggrey Ambali, Senior Advisor at the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation at AUDA-NEPAD opened the dialogue by emphasising the transformative power of AI and robotics in advancing the continent. He underscored AUDA-NEPAD's role in integrating science, policy, and innovation to make Africa a leader, not just a consumer, in the digital economy. The question then arises: How can this transformative power be effectively harnessed for the advancement of a continent? The unveiling of the AI

Continental White Paper and Roadmap offered a compelling answer. This strategic document, developed through a collaborative effort with the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) and contributions from over 50 experts across the continent, is envisioned to steer Africa towards a future in which technology acts as a driver for equitable and sustainable growth.

Prof. Ambali outlined the dialogue's central objectives:

 Promoting responsible AI adoption, ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable use.

 Strengthening African policymakers' and decision-makers' capacity and enabling the utilisation of AI technologies in partnership with the private sector.

 Addressing AI myths, misconceptions, and policy challenges, linking policy research with stakeholders.

He then elaborated on the six foundational pillars of the roadmap:

 Human capital development for AI, emphasising education and skills development.

 Infrastructure and data foundations, highlighting the importance of robust physical and digital networks.

 Creating enabling environments for AI development and deployment.

 Fostering an AI-driven economic transformation.

 Building sustainable partnerships across sectors and institutions.

 Implementing rigorous monitoring & evaluation mechanisms.

A Strategic Roadmap to Africa’s AI Transformation

Dr Barbara Glover, Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, meticulously outlined the collaborative efforts undertaken in the past two years to develop the Continental AI White Paper and Roadmap, setting the stage for a comprehensive AI strategy across Africa. She underscored the critical functions of AUDA-NEPAD, ranging from orchestrating key projects to providing advanced knowledgebased support, all pivotal for harnessing

“ We are thrilled to announce that the registration process for the African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition 2024 is OPEN in the form of a free-flow one-step registration. Don't miss the chance! Submit your project and let the innovation flow. Click here to learn more about the competition and to participate. ”

Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as instrumental for the continent's progress.

In her closing remarks, Dr Glover invited experts around the globe to contribute their valuable insights, emphasising the roadmap's pivotal role in navigating Africa towards a future where technology serves as both a catalyst for development and a bridge to overcome challenges.

The door remains open for those eager to contribute to the AI Continental White Paper and Roadmap. Your expertise can profoundly influence Africa's technological future. For information on how to contribute, click here

Steps to Being a Reviewer:

To review the documents and the presentation from the webinar, please visit the following link: Access the Document and Presentation After reviewing the white paper and roadmap, we kindly ask that you share your feedback via the following link: Submit Your Feedback Additionally, a recording of the webinar is available for those who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the discussions. You can access the recording here: Webinar Recording (Passcode: 6s@zVqjL). We also would be rolling out bit-sized surveys and polls on various components of our envisioned roadmap.

Empowering the Next Generation of African Innovators

Ms Yvonne Baldwin-Mushi, Co-founder and CEO at Ele-vate AI, highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of Africa's youthful population to bridge the digital skills gap. "What if," Yvonne posited, "the next great innovator is among us, waiting for an opportunity?" This question led to the initiation of the African Youth in AI & Robotics Competition, aiming to foster innovation and skill development among Africa's youth.

The competition welcomes young African innovators aged between 15 to 35 and spans 10 diverse categories. Each category is designed to encourage participants to creatively engage with AI and robotics across various sectors, including mining, healthcare, and agriculture. The structure of the competition ensures three winners per category, with the prizes being notably substantial: 1st prize at 5,000 USD, 2nd prize at 3,000 USD, and 3rd prize at 2,000 USD. These incentives underscore the competition's commitment to fostering inclusivity, enhancing education, and promoting innovative solutions that drive the continent toward sustainable development.

Steps to Applying for the Competition:

We are thrilled to announce that the registration process for the African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition 2024 is OPEN in the form of a free-flow one-step registration Don't miss the chance! Submit your project and let the innovation flow. Click here to

learn more about the competition and to participate.

The Role of AI, Robotics, and Innovation in Strengthening Education in Africa

The panel discussion, a focal point of the dialogue, featured insights from Mr Josiah Mugambi, Ms Mfon Udechukwu, Ms Virginie Uwimana, and Dr Lwidiko Mhamilawa, each bringing a unique perspective to the role of AI, robotics, and innovation in education. This session is directly tied to the AU's 2024 theme, "Year of Education," focusing on educating an African fit for the 21st Century.

Mr Josiah Mugambi, the Technology Advisor at Ele-vate AI, emphasised the need for a balanced approach between regulation and innovation. He advocated for personalised learning tools powered by AI to cater to diverse learning styles. His call to action included building robust data infrastructures and improving the understanding of AI among the populace to foster an environment where AI can thrive without being stifled by premature regulations.

Ms Mfon Udechukwu, the Program and Community Coordinator at WeRobotics, and Virginie Uwimana, co-founder of Flying Labs Namibia, shared their experiences with drone technology, highlighting its potential to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. Their discussion underlined the importance of engaging communities in technology use. It emphasised the need for young Africans to be exposed to robotics and AI early, aligning with the vision of equipping the continent's youth with necessary 21st-century skills.

Dr Lwidiko Mhamilawa, the co-founder of Projekt Inspire, emphasised the urgent need for increased investment in educational technology to improve access and enhance learning outcomes. He advocated establishing science centres and hubs as key sites to spark interest and facilitate learning in STEM fields. Dr Mhamilawa proposed leveraging AI tools as a revolutionary approach to transform the educational landscape across Africa, underscoring their potential to significantly impact how students engage with and learn from STEM subjects.

The Journey Forward

As the dialogue concluded, Prof Ambali's remarks left participants with a profound sense of unity and shared mission. The day's discussions marked the beginning of a collaborative journey towards an AIdriven future for Africa. This dialogue was a testament to the power of collective action, a reminder that the future of Africa's digital landscape is in the hands of its people. As Africa stands on the brink of a technological revolution, the question remains: "How will you contribute to the continent's digital future?"

GOOGLE OPENS JOBURG CLOUD REGION

/ Read original article here /

Internet search giant Google has announced its Johannesburg cloud region in South Africa is now ready for use.

This, after the company first announced its plans to open a cloud region in South Africa in 2022. The opening of the new cloud region will see Google go head-on with other hyperscalers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Alibaba Cloud.

Microsoft was the first hyperscaler to establish local data centres in South Africa, followed by AWS, and lastly Alibaba Cloud, which is offering its services through a partnership with Telkom subsidiary BCX.

In a statement, Niral Patel, director of Google Cloud Africa, says with the new facility, businesses across the continent now have access to high-performance, secure and low-latency cloud services.

According to Patel, Google will host a launch event in Johannesburg later this year to celebrate the opening of the cloud region and showcase "the transformative potential it holds for businesses across the continent".

“Africa’s internet economy is estimated to reach $180 billion by 2025, accounting for 5.2% of the continent’s gross domestic product,” he says.

“Google alone has committed $1 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, recognising that key drivers of the continent’s growth will include investing in infrastructure, nurturing the growing tech talent pool, and enabling a vibrant start-up ecosystem.”

The announcement comes after market analyst firm IDC last week told ITWeb that South Africa will see increased investments in the cloud space this year.

As the cloud market competition heats up, data centre companies are increasingly building facilities in South Africa to address data residency and sovereignty concerns.

Patel points out that the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg will accelerate the African tech ecosystem, providing organisations with the resources they need to scale, innovate and compete in the global marketplace.

“We are excited to partner with organisations across the continent and help them discover the advantages of digital transformation,” he says.

“With the addition of the Johannesburg region, our network now totals 40 cloud regions and 121 zones, which together deliver Google Cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.”

Like all Google Cloud regions, Patel adds, the Johannesburg region is connected to Google’s network, comprising

a system of high-capacity fibre-optic cables under land and sea around the world.

This includes the recently-completed Equiano subsea cable system that connects Portugal with Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa and St Helena.

“Beyond infrastructure and services, we’re committed to providing people and businesses with enablement and training on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices.

"Learners and business owners have participated in training programmes, like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy, which cover technology topics such as generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.”

“ Learners and business owners have participated in training programmes, like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy, which cover technology topics such as generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.

”

Niral Patel, director of Google Cloud Africa.

AI GOVERNANCE ALLIANCE DEBUTS RESEARCH REPORTS ON AI GUIDELINES

/ Read original article here /

The AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) has released a series of three new reports, focused on guidelines and recommendations for ethical use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI).

The papers were announced at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) annual meeting in Davos yesterday. They focus on the governance of AI and generative AI, providing insights on unlocking its value and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment.

Established by the WEF in June 2023, the AIGA is a collaboration that brings together industry leaders, governments, academic institutions, and civil society organisations, to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to AI worldwide.

While AI holds the potential to address global challenges, it also poses risks of widening existing digital divides or creating new ones, says the AIGA.

These and other topics are explored in the paper series crafted by AIGA’s three core work streams, in collaboration with IBM Consulting and Accenture.

As AI technology evolves at a rapid pace and developed nations race to capitalise on AI innovation, the alliance stresses the urgency to address the digital divide to

ensure that billions of people in developing countries are not left behind.

“The AI Governance Alliance is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in furthering greater access to AI-related resources, thereby contributing to a more equitable and responsible AI ecosystem globally,” says Cathy Li, head of AI, data and metaverse at the WEF.

“We must collaborate among governments, the private sector and local communities to ensure the future of AI benefits all.”

Focused on optimised AI development and deployment, paper one, “Presidio AI Framework: Towards Safe Generative AI Models”, addresses the need for standardised perspectives on the model lifecycle by creating a framework for shared responsibility and proactive risk management.

Paper two is titled: “Unlocking Value from Generative AI: Guidance for Responsible Transformation”. It provides guidance on the responsible adoption of generative AI, emphasising use case-based evaluation, multi-stakeholder governance, transparent communication, operational structures, and value-based change management for scalable and responsible integration into organisations.

Focused on international cooperation and inclusive access in AI development and deployment, paper three is titled: “Generative AI Governance: Shaping Our Collective Global Future”. It evaluates national approaches, addresses key debates on generative AI, and advocates for

international coordination and standards to prevent fragmentation.

AIGA says it seeks to mobilise resources for exploring AI benefits in key sectors, including healthcare and education.

The alliance is calling upon experts from various sectors to help address several key areas. This includes improving data quality and availability across nations, boosting access to computational resources, and adapting foundation models to suit local needs and challenges.

“There is also a strong emphasis on education and the development of local expertise to create and navigate local AI ecosystems effectively. In line with these goals, there is a need to establish new institutional frameworks and public-private partnerships along with implementing multilateral controls to aid and enhance these efforts,” it says.

“ Focused on optimised AI development and deployment, paper one, “Presidio AI Framework: Towards Safe Generative AI Models”, addresses the need for standardised perspectives on the model lifecycle by creating a framework for shared responsibility and proactive risk management. ”

The AI Governance Alliance calls upon experts to help address several key areas of artificial intelligence.

OXFORD INSIGHTS LAUNCH LATEST AI READINESS INDEX COVERING TRENDS IN AFRICA

Middle East and North Africa

Rank: 5

Average Score: 48.77

The regional landscape

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region displays a significant variation in government AI readiness, ranking as the region with the third-largest range of scores. There is a clear disparity between Middle Eastern and North African countries, with average scores of 38.89 and 51.11, respectively. Notably, however, Egypt is a North African outlier, securing a position among the top ten in MENA, primarily attributed to its good performance in the Government pillar. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) takes the lead in the region, driven by relatively high scores across all three pillars that place it 18th worldwide.

Key developments

In 2023, the MENA region witnessed significant developments in terms of governance and AI ethics principles. Egypt has made notable advancements in this domain by introducing the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI. This initiative combines insights with actionable measures to facilitate the responsible development, deployment, management, and utilisation of AI systems. Adapting guidelines established by international organisations (OECD, UNESCO, WHO, IEEE, EU), the Charter aims to foster

awareness among all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem regarding ethical considerations in AI.

Similarly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) published its AI Ethics Principles

This framework is aimed at reducing the potentially negative implications of AI systems and protecting and enhancing privacy and personal data protection. The AI Ethics Framework of the KSA outlines principles for governing AI and includes a risk classification system associated with the implementation of AI systems, similar to the European Union’s proposed AI Act. Through the application of these frameworks, the government aims to ensure that AI decision-making processes uphold fairness and equity for its citizens.

Recently, countries in the MENA region have taken important steps towards

improving their Data & Infrastructure foundations. Bahrain has released its Sixth National Telecommunications Plan, outlining the government’s strategic vision and overall policy for the telecommunications sector. Within this document, Bahrain emphasises the critical need for establishing resilient infrastructure and connectivity foundations to effectively integrate technologies like AI. The initiative recognises the imminent impact of rapid technological change on both telecommunications and the broader ICT market structure. Furthermore, this document underscores Bahrain’s plans to formulate a national AI strategy.

The region has also undergone a notable surge in data centre investments. Recently, Huawei announced the inauguration of Riyadh’s cloud region, and Oman established a partnership with SAP to introduce a private

cloud data centre. Furthermore, Egypt is set to host a hyperscale data centre with a substantial investment of $250 million. These advancements are poised to influence the region’s readiness in terms of Data & Infrastructure, a pillar where they currently score 4 points below the global average (60.09).

Looking ahead

The effective integration of AI into government operations depends on having a skilled workforce. Looking forward, a potential area for advancement in the MENA region is Human Capital, where the average score stands at 44.70. In this context, the region showcases promising initiatives that have the potential to cultivate a more proficient workforce. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has launched the Coders (hq) programme, designed to establish connections between global tech influencers and the local tech community through events such as Hackathons, conferences, and training programs.

Moreover, it is pertinent to closely observe the AI strategy initiatives in the region, with three countries — Iraq, Tunisia, and Bahrain — announcing upcoming vision documents. This marks a crucial step in enhancing the positioning of these countries within the landscape of government AI readiness. The successful implementation of these initiatives would lead to the Middle East & North Africa joining Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, and North America as one of the regions where more than half of the countries have introduced AI strategies.

“ The effective integration of AI into government operations depends on having a skilled workforce. Looking forward, a potential area for advancement in the MENA region is Human Capital, where the average score stands at 44.70. In this context, the region showcases promising initiatives that have the potential to cultivate a more proficient workforce. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has launched the Coders (hq) programme, designed to establish connections between global tech influencers and the local tech community through events such as Hackathons, conferences, and training programs. ”

Sub-Saharan Africa

Rank: 9 Average Score: 30.16

The regional landscape

Despite Sub-Saharan Africa having the lowest average score of any world region in the index, signifying serious challenges to government AI adoption in the region, there has been real growth over the past 12 months, with 3 countries publishing new national AI strategies and one announcing a forthcoming strategy. In addition, 3 countries have announced they are working with UNESCO to adopt and implement strategies in line with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI

Mauritius leads the region with a score of 53.27, followed by South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, and Benin in the top five. Mauritius’s strength lies mostly in the Government pillar — its score of 69.82 in this pillar is 10 points higher than its score in any other pillar — while South Africa leads the region in both the Data & Infrastructure pillar and the Technology Sector pillar. In fact, South Africa is the only country in SubSaharan Africa to score above the global average for the Technology Sector pillar.

Key developments

Despite these barriers, the past year has seen significant and interesting developments in government AI readiness in the region. In particular, Rwanda, Senegal, and Benin’s new national AI strategies represent the first AI strategies in mainland Sub-Saharan Africa and end Mauritius’s 5-year term as the only country in the region

with an AI strategy. It is also worth noting that these countries are all considered low income (Rwanda) or lower middle income (Senegal and Benin) by the World Bank, unlike upper middle income Mauritius. This goes against the trend we have seen in some other world regions, in which the most developed or largest economies are the first to create national AI strategies. By this logic, countries like South Africa or Nigeria would create national AI strategies first, yet neither has done so (though Nigeria’s strategy is reportedly in development).

It is also worth noting that Rwanda and Senegal both created their AI strategies with support from cooperation agencies and international organisations — GIZ FAIR Forward, the World Economic Forum, and The Future Society in Rwanda’s case; and the African Union and Team Europe via the AU-EU Digital for Development (D4D) Hub in Senegal’s case. Furthermore, regional collaboration seems to be a growing trend in the region, with Namibia hosting ministers from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe at the first UNESCO-Southern Africa sub-Regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence (SARFAI). This forum produced the Windhoek Statement, which recommended actions on AI governance, capacity-building, infrastructure, R&D, environmental protection, gender inclusion, and collaboration across the region. International collaboration is also visible in Côte D’Ivoire, Namibia, and Rwanda, which have (separately) committed to working with UNESCO on implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Meanwhile, GIZ FAIR-Forward and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data collaborated with Kenyan stakeholders

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HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AFFECTS THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IN AFRICA

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Finance is a crucial change agent in society, government, and technology.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally altering the financial world. AI is a form of technology that confers intelligence on machines. In my 2013 book, Economic Modeling Using Artificial Intelligence Methods, I demonstrated how

AI could forecast economic indicators, predict stock prices in stock exchanges, perform credit scoring in banks, and model complex financial instruments such as options, futures, and derivatives.

In our 2017 book, Artificial Intelligence and Economic Theory, Evan Hurwitz and I demonstrate how AI affects how economists think about demand and supply, pricing, and behavioral economics. Utilizing AI’s capabilities, the financial sector is on the verge of massive disruptive changes that present new opportunities and risks. This article

examines how AI affects economic systems, specifically the financial sector, markets, and the government.

Using machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way institutions operate. Additionally, AI opens up new avenues for customer service, risk management, and business advice.

For example, AI-powered chatbots and virtual helpers help with customer service around the clock, simplifying user interfaces and making it easier to answer questions quickly.

“ For example, AI can help improve trade logistics by making delivery systems, customs processes, and tracking and tracing more efficient. It can find the best ways to move goods, predict delays, and give traders real-time information. In addition, AI can analyze trade data to identify patterns, trends, and connections. This can help policymakers make better choices and predict and respond to future trends better. ”

Consequently, they enhance consumer experience and reduce expenses. For instance, in risk management and credit scoring, AI algorithms can examine enormous amounts of data to identify patterns and assess risk levels. This makes financial services available to a larger population.

In the investment world, robo-advisors have become popular. They use AI’s analytical capabilities to offer cheap, personalized financial advice. Through these changes, AI is making it easier for more people to use financial services and driving the global financial system to be more open to more people.

AI is also changing the way financial markets work. For example, AI has changed how stocks are bought and sold with high-frequency algorithmic trading. AI can analyze vast financial data in milliseconds to identify trends and make trades. This is a substantial improvement over traditional methods making markets move faster, more open and work better. However, increased market speed ushers market stability and systemic risks, requiring protection and strong oversight to avoid these problems.

Regulators worldwide seek to deal with AI’s problems, such as data protection and algorithmic transparency. Accordingly, there should be a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting the financial security and consumer interests in regulations. AI can simplify compliance procedures, monitor financial transactions in real-time for illicit activities, and predict market glitches, making regulators more proactive.

In the African market, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a trade deal that aims to increase trade significantly within Africa, offers unique opportunities for AI.

The agreement covers a broad range of aspects of Africa’s economy, such as digital

trade and the protection of investments. Moreover, the number of countries in the AfCFTA will make it the largest free trade area globally, linking 1.3 billion people in 54 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. AI can make the AfCFTA work better and reach its goals.

For example, AI can help improve trade logistics by making delivery systems, customs processes, and tracking and tracing more efficient. It can find the best ways to move goods, predict delays, and give traders real-time information. In addition, AI can analyze trade data to identify patterns, trends, and connections. This can help policymakers make better choices and predict and respond to future trends better.

AI-powered systems can make crossborder e-commerce more efficient, a sector expected to grow under the AfCFTA. AI can create personalized product recommendations and automate customer service. In education and training, AI can help people acquire the skills they need for an African economy that works better together.

However, for AI to achieve the goals of the AfCFTA, it is essential to have good AI governance and regulation. Furthermore, we need to invest in digital infrastructure and education.

In conclusion, AI is vital to changing how the world’s economic system works. It affects financial services, markets, and regulation. AI is ushering in a new age of innovation and efficiency.

However, as AI continues to change how the financial world works, a cautious and thorough approach is needed to make the most of its prospects and manage its risks well. There needs to be strong regulatory frameworks, investments in AI literacy and skills, and a commitment to ethical AI values. These objectives are essential if we want an AI-driven financial future that is both prosperous and sustainable in Africa.

“ However, as AI continues to change how the financial world works, a cautious and thorough approach is needed to make the most of its prospects and manage its risks well. There needs to be strong regulatory frameworks, investments in AI literacy and skills, and a commitment to ethical AI values. These objectives are essential if we want an AIdriven financial future that is both prosperous and sustainable in Africa. ”

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“ While most countries in the region lack AI strategies, there has been continued progress in data protection policies and government digital transformation, which are essential foundations

for government AI readiness. ”

to co-create an AI Practitioners’ Guide specific to Kenya’s legal and regulatory environment.

While most countries in the region lack AI strategies, there has been continued progress in data protection policies and government digital transformation, which are essential foundations for government AI readiness. Nigeria enacted a new Data Protection Act in 2023, replacing its 2019 Data Protection Regulation with more comprehensive legislation, and Senegal published its National Data Strategy, developed with the nonprofit Smart Africa and German development agency GIZ. International cooperation in digital transformation is likely to continue, as the US announced a Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, the UK launched an AI for Development programme focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, and GIZ operates eleven Digital Transformation Centres in the region and has possible plans to expand.

Looking ahead

It appears the increase in national AI strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa will continue next year, with Ethiopia and Nigeria announcing work on draft AI strategies. Perhaps the most anticipated future development is the publication and approval of the African Union’s AI Continental Strategy for Africa, expected to be launched at the January 2024 AU Summit. As Rwanda and Senegal’s new strategies illustrate, international organisations can be influential in supporting African nations to craft their own national AI strategies. A continental strategy from the African Union could provide valuable guidance and a blueprint for other countries to follow while saving them precious time and resources in drafting and implementing an AI strategy.

NVIDIA CEO HUANG SAYS COUNTRIES MUST BUILD SOVEREIGN AI INFRASTRUCTURE

AMSTERDAM, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab CEO Jensen Huang said on Monday that every country needs to have its own artificial intelligence infrastructure in order to take advantage of the economic potential while protecting its own culture.

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You cannot allow that to be done by other people," Huang said at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

Huang, whose firm has catapulted to a $1.73 trillion stock market value due to its dominance of the market for high-end AI chips, said his company is 'democratizing' access to AI due to swift efficiency gains in AI computing.

"The rest of it is really up to you to take initiative, activate your industry, build the infrastructure, as fast as you can."

He said that fears about the dangers of AI are overblown, noting that other new technologies and industries such as cars and aviation have been successfully regulated.

"There are some interests to scare people about this new technology, to mystify this technology, to encourage other people to not do anything about that technology and rely on them to do it. And I think that's a mistake."

Following a new round of U.S. restrictions in October imposed on some of its AI chips, Nvidia said in November it was working with customers in China and the Middle East to obtain export licenses for new products that would comply with U.S. rules.

The CEO did not address that issue on Monday.

Nvidia is due to report fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 21.

NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang attend a session of the World Governments Summit, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 12, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT: MEPS ADOPT LANDMARK LAW

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 Safeguards on general purpose artificial intelligence

 Limits on the use of biometric identification systems by law enforcement

 Bans on social scoring and AI used to manipulate or exploit user vulnerabilities

 Right of consumers to launch complaints and receive meaningful explanations

On Wednesday, Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

The regulation, agreed in negotiations with member states in December 2023, was endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

It aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from highrisk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.

Banned applications

The new rules ban certain AI applications that threaten citizens’ rights, including biometric categorisation systems based on sensitive characteristics and untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage to create facial recognition databases. Emotion recognition in the workplace and schools, social scoring, predictive policing (when it is based solely on profiling a person or assessing their

characteristics), and AI that manipulates human behaviour or exploits people’s vulnerabilities will also be forbidden.

Law enforcement exemptions

The use of biometric identification systems (RBI) by law enforcement is prohibited in principle, except in exhaustively listed and narrowly defined situations. “Real-time” RBI can only be deployed if strict safeguards are met, e.g. its use is limited in time and geographic scope and subject to specific prior judicial or administrative authorisation. Such uses may include, for example, a targeted search of a missing person or preventing a terrorist attack. Using such systems post-facto (“post-remote RBI”) is considered a high-risk use case, requiring judicial authorisation being linked to a criminal offence.

Obligations for high-risk systems

Clear obligations are also foreseen for other high-risk AI systems (due to their significant potential harm to health, safety, fundamental rights, environment, democracy and the rule of law). Examples of high-risk AI uses include critical infrastructure, education and vocational training, employment, essential private and public services (e.g. healthcare, banking), certain systems in law enforcement, migration and border management, justice and democratic processes (e.g. influencing elections). Such systems must assess and reduce risks, maintain use logs, be transparent

and accurate, and ensure human oversight. Citizens will have a right to submit complaints about AI systems and receive explanations about decisions based on highrisk AI systems that affect their rights.

Transparency requirements

General-purpose AI (GPAI) systems, and the GPAI models they are based on, must meet certain transparency requirements, including compliance with EU copyright law and publishing detailed summaries of the content used for training. The more powerful GPAI models that could pose systemic risks will face additional requirements, including performing model evaluations, assessing and mitigating systemic risks, and reporting on incidents.

Additionally, artificial or manipulated images, audio or video content (“deepfakes”) need to be clearly labelled as such.

Measures to support innovation and SMEs

Regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing will have to be established at the national level, and made accessible to SMEs and start-ups, to develop and train innovative AI before its placement on the market.

Quotes

During the plenary debate on Tuesday, the Internal Market Committee co-rapporteur Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy) said: “We

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The untargeted scraping of facial images from CCTV footage to create facial recognition databases will be banned © Alexander / Adobe Stock

SORA: HOMEMADE VIDEO - NIGERIA IN 2056

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EUROPEAN NEWS

...continued from page 23

finally have the world’s first binding law on artificial intelligence, to reduce risks, create opportunities, combat discrimination, and bring transparency. Thanks to Parliament, unacceptable AI practices will be banned in Europe and the rights of workers and citizens will be protected. The AI Office will now be set up to support companies to start complying with the rules before they enter into force. We ensured that human beings and European values are at the very centre of AI’s development”.

Civil Liberties Committee co-rapporteur Dragos Tudorache (Renew, Romania) said:

“The EU has delivered. We have linked the concept of artificial intelligence to the fundamental values that form the basis of our societies. However, much work lies ahead that goes beyond the AI Act itself. AI will push us to rethink the social contract at the heart of our democracies, our education models, labour markets, and the way we conduct warfare. The AI Act is a starting

point for a new model of governance built around technology. We must now focus on putting this law into practice”.

Next steps

The regulation is still subject to a final lawyer-linguist check and is expected to be finally adopted before the end of the legislature (through the so-called corrigendum procedure). The law also needs to be formally endorsed by the Council.

It will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the official Journal, and be fully applicable 24 months after its entry into force, except for: bans on prohibited practises, which will apply six months after the entry into force date; codes of practise (nine months after entry into force); generalpurpose AI rules including governance (12 months after entry into force); and obligations for high-risk systems (36 months).

Background

The Artificial Intelligence Act responds directly to citizens’ proposals from the Conference on the Future of Europe (COFE), most concretely to proposal 12(10) on enhancing EU’s competitiveness in strategic sectors, proposal 33(5) on a safe and trustworthy society, including countering disinformation and ensuring humans are ultimately in control, proposal 35 on promoting digital innovation, (3) while ensuring human oversight and (8) trustworthy and responsible use of AI, setting safeguards and ensuring transparency, and proposal 37 (3) on using AI and digital tools to improve citizens’ access to information, including persons with disabilities.

Discover how Lengo AI, driven by innovation and powered by AI, is shaking up Senegal’s retail sector. With a focus on corner shops, their transformative approach empowers businesses, fuels growth, and lights the way for communities across the continent. Photo: Supplied

LENGO AI EMPOWERS AFRICA’S CORNER SHOPS WITH DATA MAGIC

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With their innovative use of artificial intelligence and dedicated field agents, African start-up Lengo AI is ushering in a new era of reliable data collection, especially focusing on the corner shops that serve as the backbone of countless communities across Africa.

Lengo AI CTO Ismaïla Seck, PhD, shared the profound impact the Senegal-founded company is making on local corner shops. By harnessing the power of data, Lengo AI empowers shopkeepers in multifaceted ways, illuminating paths to growth and prosperity.

“We can help shopkeepers to identify which products are most popular in their neighbourhood, and which products they should be stocking more of,” Dr Seck

explained, highlighting the pivotal role data plays in understanding local market dynamics.

Lengo AI doesn’t stop there; it assists shopkeepers in refining their pricing strategies and optimising inventory management, enabling these businesses to make informed decisions. Moreover, it serves as a bridge, connecting these corner shops with FMCG brands, facilitating negotiations for better deals.

“Lengo AI can provide shopkeepers with data on the best prices the suppliers are charging in their area,” Dr Seck elaborated. This transparency equips shopkeepers with the knowledge needed to negotiate fair terms with their suppliers.

Dr Seck shared a compelling success story, illustrating how Lengo AI transformed a local business owner’s fortunes. “We

were able to show him this data, and he was able to lower his prices to be more competitive”, allowing him to align his price to the price of in his neighborhood, Dr Seck recounted, underlining the tangible, positive impact their work is having on individual entrepreneurs.

While their current focus is on Senegal, Lengo AI’s ambitions stretch far beyond. “We want to be able to help shopkeepers all over Africa,” Dr Seck stated emphatically. Their vision encompasses the entirety of the African continent, with the firm belief that their data can be a catalyst for transformative change, not just in businesses but in the lives of the customers they serve.

The challenges they face are significant, with millions of corner shops scattered across Africa. Mapping out these businesses is a daunting task, but Lengo AI navigates this hurdle by ingeniously combining AI with the expertise of dedicated field agents.

“We are using AI to automate some of the tasks involved in mapping out corner shops. We are also using field agents to collect data on corner shops in person,” Dr Seck revealed. This harmonious fusion of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence is the driving force propelling Lengo AI forward.

Yet, their aspirations don’t end with corner shops.

“What will make Lengo success is being able to go outside Senegal efficiently and be able to expand outside the informal retail to other informal sectors,” Dr Seck said. Their sights are set on broader horizons, encompassing sectors such as hardware stores and cosmetic stores, to name a few, recognising the potential for their datadriven approach to spark transformative change across various industries.

Leading this start-up are exceptional individuals, each contributing their unique expertise to shape the foundation of Lengo AI’s success. Max Smith, the CEO, brings a wealth of experience market research throughout Africa.

Roger Xavier Macia, the chief commercial officer, previously held the position of CCO at Jumia in Senegal, showcasing his unparalleled understanding of the local market dynamics.

Additionally, Dr Seck, a revered member of Senegal’s AI community, holds a PhD in machine and deep learning, further enriching the team with his profound knowledge and insights. Together, their combined talents and dedication drive Lengo AI towards new horizons of innovation and impact.

Their collective passion, expertise, and dedication underscore the profound impact Lengo AI is making and will continue to make across Africa. Through their pioneering efforts, they are not just transforming corner shops; they are revolutionising communities, fostering economic growth, and paving the way for a future where data-driven decisions empower every entrepreneur.

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, today announced collaborations with global technology leader Google Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic to deliver advanced cloud, cyber security solutions, and generative AI (gen AI) capabilities to African businesses across the continent.

LIQUID C2 PARTN ERS WITH GOOGLE CLOUD and Anthropic to bring advanced cloud, cyber security and generative AI capabilities to Africa

Building on the November 2023 signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a collaboration with Google Cloud in Africa, Liquid C2 is set to improve cyber security and cloud offerings across the continent while introducing them to Google Cloud’s latest AI, data, collaboration, and security solutions. Customers of Liquid C2 can expect heightened security measures, access to advanced cloud technologies, and a commitment to securing their digital assets.

Liquid C2 is set to be one of Google Cloud’s largest Managed Security Service Providers

/ Read original article here /

(MSSPs) in Africa, combining Google Cloud’s leading security solutions with Liquid C2’s expertise and vision in offering comprehensive security consulting. In addition, the collaboration enables Liquid C2 to bring the capabilities of both Google Cloud and Anthropic’s AI models to its customers via Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform1, helping businesses develop and deploy solutions quickly within their cloud environments.

As a strategic partner of Google Cloud’s innovative solutions in Africa, Liquid C2 will also deliver Google Workspace to customers across the continent. Designed to facilitate team connections in a cloudnative environment, Google Workspace also

features embedded generative AI tools to help employees create content and achieve greater productivity and collaboration in the workplace.

By fortifying cyber security measures and infusing gen AI capabilities, Liquid C2 envisions a future where security, collaboration, and innovation go hand-inhand, creating a safer, more productive digital experience for all. As Africa continues to emerge as a hub for technological advancements, collaboration between leading companies like Liquid C2, Google Cloud, and Anthropic play a crucial role in driving progress, fostering innovation, and attracting global investment.

“ As a strategic partner of Google Cloud’s innovative solutions in Africa, Liquid C2 will also deliver Google Workspace to customers across the continent. Designed to facilitate team connections in a cloud-native environment, Google Workspace also features embedded generative AI tools to help employees create content and achieve greater productivity and collaboration in the workplace. ”

In a separate but related development, Liquid C2 is also working directly with Anthropic, one of the largest and fastestgrowing AI companies globally, to develop AI solutions for large enterprises that want to use it to improve productivity and revenue growth. Anthropic has a strategic partnership with Google Cloud, and Claude –Anthropic’s family of foundational AI models that excel at thoughtful dialogue, content creation, complex reasoning, creativity, and coding – is available in Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.

Liquid C2’s partnership with Anthropic signifies a shared commitment to empowering businesses in Africa with state-of-the-art AI solutions. By integrating AI models and services across various industries, Liquid C2 and Anthropic aim to accelerate growth for clients, further positioning Africa as a global player in the digital landscape. The collaboration presents opportunities to apply gen AI to African businesses irrespective of the industry or organisation size.

Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said, “Businesses are increasingly turning to generative AI to drive operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience, and empower their employees like never before. Building on Google’s commitment to investing $1 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, our collaborations with market leaders like Liquid C2 and Anthropic will help bring gen AI, security, and other cloud technologies to businesses across the continent. This partnership has the opportunity to transform how African businesses serve and engage their customers as we provide them a foundation for innovation.”

Currently, more than 80% of the largest businesses and organisations operating in more than 31 African countries use

a broad spectrum of advanced digital technologies from Liquid supplied by global vendors. Many are keenly interested in moving AI readiness. Liquid C2 will remain a multi-vendor provider, offering its customers best-in-class solutions.

Commenting on the collaboration, Strive Masiyiwa, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies, said, “Our collaborations with Google Cloud and Anthropic signify a significant step change in our journey as Africa’s leading cloud and cyber security provider. We recognise the importance of responsible AI in enabling access to economic opportunities and empowering individuals and businesses across the continent. Our partnerships with these two leading technology firms will help us deliver AIpowered solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for these solutions that cater to the complex needs of a diverse clientele.”

Daniela Amodei, President of Anthropic, said: “We’re excited to partner with Liquid C2 and Google Cloud, bringing frontier AI to businesses across Africa. Combining Anthropic’s safe, steerable AI with Google Cloud’s secure, scalable infrastructure means this partnership has huge potential to enable African companies to grow.”

“ Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said, “Businesses are increasingly turning to generative AI to drive operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience, and empower their employees like never before. Building on Google’s commitment to investing $1 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, our collaborations with market leaders like Liquid C2 and Anthropic will help bring gen AI, security, and other cloud technologies to businesses across the continent.

This partnership has the opportunity to transform how African businesses serve and engage their customers as we provide them a foundation for innovation. ”

AI CHANGES THE WORLD AND SA’S TECH JOBS MARKET

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While the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to ultimately replace many jobs, a new South African jobs market outlook shows the emerging tech has spurred higher demand for AI specialists and professionals over the past 12 months.

This is one of the key findings of the first edition of online jobs portal Pnet’s monthly Job Market Trends report, released this week.

The report reviews SA’s hiring activity, as well as regional job trends, based on Pnet’s online job advertisement data and aggregated candidate data, sourced from online recruitment platform The Stepstone Group South Africa

AI is becoming more commonly integrated into the South African business world.

The distribution of AI job roles over the last 12 months.

In each edition, the report will analyse job posts and job sectors that have been most in demand, providing snapshots of specific job sectors, unpacking demographic data to guide recruiters in recruitment planning and giving job-seekers a view of what is happening in the local job market.

According to the report, AI is becoming more commonly integrated into the South African business world, either as part of product and service offerings for customers, or internally. As a result of this rising trend, AI specialists and professionals are increasingly sought-after by organisations across various sectors.

Observing the trend over the last 12 months, the top three in-demand AI roles are data scientist (29%), data analyst (24%) and data engineer (16%).

Other job roles where AI skills are in demand are software developer (11%), machine learning specialist (9%), business analyst (4%), sales professional (4%) and IT architect (3%), according to Pnet.

“AI is no longer just a buzzword…it is changing the world, especially the business world, at an exponential rate,” says Anja Bates, head of data at Pnet. “Although many

people are still wary of AI, the fact is that most of us already use it on daily basis.

“As much as AI might seem to be a distant and mysterious technology, we have already started embracing it and reaping the benefits in our everyday lives.

“Analysing vacancies allocated to AI candidates, it is apparent in the report that strong skills in programming, data science, statistics, analytics and machine learning are crucial in the AI space.”

Providing examples of how AI is used by ordinary South Africans daily, Bates points to personalised online advertising, online search engines like Google, chatbots/digital assistants like Siri and Waze, and online shopping.

According to the 2024 South Africa Report: State of the Software Developer Nation, released by developer hiring marketplace OfferZen last month, AI is shaking up the software developer market in SA, with the majority of surveyed software developers ranking it as their most preferred industry.

While hiring among SA’s software developers dropped by 5% over the last 12 months, AI is expected to reinvigorate job

placements in the industry, according to OfferZen.

An International Monetary Fund report released in January reveals AI is set to have a ripple effect through the global economy, impacting 40% of jobs in emerging markets, and 26% of jobs in low-income countries. It further reveals that half of the jobs impacted by AI will be negatively affected, while the rest may significantly benefit from enhanced productivity gains due to AI.

AI adoption in SA is still at lower levels compared to global counterparts, but the rapidly-evolving landscape is seeing more firms recognise AI’s important role in taking efficiency to new levels and boosting productivity, leading to increased demand for emerging skills locally, notes Pnet.

Over the last year, SA saw the release of OpenAI-developed chatbot, ChatGPT, followed by a slew of similar open source AI models. More advances in AI tools and further proliferation are expected this year, according to experts.

Generative AI and AI are expected to become transformative technologies in SA, with benefits to be felt in multiple sectors, particularly healthcare, education, financial and agriculture. This is according to a research report compiled by global consulting firm Boston Consulting Group, in partnership with Microsoft SA and Wits Business School.

SA’s AI market is projected to reach $3.18 billion in 2024, according to research firm Statista. The compound annual growth rate is forecast to reach 18.35% between 2024 and 2030, resulting in a $8.74 billion market by 2030 in SA.

“Over the past five years, there has been a staggering 182% increase in AI vacancies,” says Bates.

Gauteng has seen the most AI employment opportunities (63%), followed by the Western Cape (19%) and a number of local AI opportunities that don’t reflect any specific geographic location (8%), notes Pnet.

Anja Bates, head of data at Pnet.

The top five in-demand AI skills in South Africa.

REIMAGINING BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH THE POWER OF AI

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inq., a Convergence Partners company, has introduced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to assist organisations across industry verticals in optimising business operations and improving internal efficiencies.

"

We have created an intuitive ecosystem built around the transformative power of AI to revolutionise how today’s digital business operates, learns and innovates,” says Ralph Berndt, Sales and Marketing Director at inq. SA. “We pride ourselves in developing solutions that integrate the power of real-time, automated data processing through AI.”

The flagship offering is Vision AI, which transforms video surveillance technology. Its AI-driven advanced video analytics and machine learning combine to revolutionise existing IP-based surveillance cameras. By injecting Vision AI into a company’s current camera environment, decision-makers gain access to real-time, automated data processing and actionable insights. Vision AI is designed to deliver enhanced safety, ensure compliance and operate 100 times faster than current manual processes.

“Our systems significantly reduce the workload on staff who traditionally monitor

video feeds, allowing for more strategic use of human resources. The cornerstone of our service is the inq. Control Platform, an innovative dashboard designed for real-time event monitoring and custom reporting. This platform enables us to provide actionable insights that can markedly improve client experiences,” says Berndt.

The inq. AI solutions can detect infringements and safety issues as they happen to ensure that a business remains compliant with policies while also being able to analyse and infer from data in a way that was previously not possible. The inq. AI ecosystem delivers centralised analytics that can be integrated with both existing and new surveillance systems, facilitating a proactive response to a variety of business challenges.

Additionally, the inq. 'Compliance as a Service' transforms existing camera infrastructure into a comprehensive compliance and safety monitoring tool. The 'Intelligent Perimeter Security' is designed to effectively address security challenges, such as pilferage and transaction

discrepancies, while also monitoring the presence of security officers. Additionally, the 'Retail Analytics' service provides realtime insights on various aspects such as crowd management, public health and client experience, using surveillance footage. "With industry-specific solutions being built daily by the inq. development team to provide solutions to real world problems across all sectors, we are able to provide analytics and information to problems business did not previously have access to.

“With inq.’s AI solutions, customers can manage their environment more safely than ever to not only protect their staff, but also any assets on-premises,” concludes Berndt.

For more information on the inq. AI technology value proposition, please click here.

Vision AI transforms video surveillance technology.

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TANZANIAN JUDICIARY INTRODUCES AI FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY

/ Read original article here /

In an ambitious and unprecedented move towards modernising its judicial processes, the Tanzanian judiciary has introduced AI into its transcriptions and translations system.

Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma announced this development during the Law Week commemoration event at Chinangali ground in Dodoma. It aims to enhance court efficiency across the nation significantly.

Moving closer to the 4IR

Chief Justice Juma highlighted the practical challenges of providing sufficient stenographic support for the judiciary’s extensive network. The network comprises:

 34 judges in the Court of Appeal,

 105 judges in the High Court, and a

 about 2000 magistrates.

“We can’t hire stenographers for all judges and magistrates, but we can use AI, which we have now adopted for transcription,” he stated.

Enhancing judicial efficiency

The new system promises to alleviate the workload on judges and magistrates. How? By automating the transcription process. “Automatic transcription will reduce the judge’s burden of work, as their job is to listen and make decisions, not to do transcription,” Prof. Juma explained.

Tailored for Tanzanian diversity

The judiciary’s service provider has reportedly meticulously trained the AI system on a diverse dataset. The aim is to ensure the system can handle nuanced languages and dialects. As such, the dataset includes the Kiswahili dialects of various communities across Tanzania, from the inland regions to Pemba Island, and Tanzanian English attribution. In the end, this training aims to facilitate clear and accurate translations across the country’s linguistic landscape.

Collaboration and implementation

The Tanzanian judiciary developed this AI system with the Italian company Almawave, utilising the company’scompany’sary speech recognition technology, PerVoice

The framework agreement between Almawave and the Tanzania judiciary is set to last four years. The initial contract value is USD 1.1 million, and the total value is expected to reach USD 3 million.

To date, the company has installed eleven sets of the system. The plan is to expand to 50 of Tanzania’s 169 courtrooms.

More broadly, this initiative is part of Tanzania’s commitment to incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) into its judicial processes. The most notable is the e-case management system, which allows lawyers and clients to follow up on their case proceedings directly.

This ambitious integration of AI into the judiciary sets a precedent for technological advancement within the legal sector. It showcases Tanzania’s dedication to improving access to justice for its citizens through digital innovation.

What’s next?

We predict the judiciary will later set guidelines on how AI can be used in court proceedings

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SAMSUNG UNLEASHES AI ON GALAXY S24 SERIES

/ Read original article here /

Samsung has officially brought artificial intelligence (AI) to its smartphone range, unleashing Galaxy AI for its latest Galaxy S series range last night.

Livestreamed to a global audience from San Jose, California, Samsung announced the launch of its flagship smartphones in its Galaxy S24 series –the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24.

The South Korean smartphone maker’s AIpowered features in the S24 series include AI photo editing, text and call translations, and a new way to search online.

“The Galaxy S24 series transforms our connection with the world and ignites the next decade of mobile innovation,” said TM Roh, president and head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Galaxy AI is built on our innovation heritage and deep understanding of how people use their phones. We’re excited to see how our users around the world empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up new possibilities.”

Speaking at the local launch event last night, Justin Hume, vice-president for mobile experience at Samsung South Africa, said the world today is reaching a revolutionary inflection point, noting AI as the buzzword throughout 2023.

“AI has not been present on mobile devices in its true sense. Sure there are applications…but it hasn’t been there. That is changing with Galaxy AI, which is a phrase for the full experience of both on-device and cloud-based artificial intelligence. It’s Samsung’s proprietary innovation and it’s

our partnership with pioneers in this market such as Google and Microsoft.

“The brand new Galaxy S series is going to democratise AI and bring life-changing experiences to our consumers. We’ve packed all the possibilities that are found on artificial intelligence into this product.”

Anisha Bhatia, senior technology analyst at data and analytics firm GlobalData, comments: “Samsung is one of the foremost smartphone companies in the world, and its new Galaxy S24 series with Galaxy AI is Samsung’s artificial intelligence moment in the sun. AI has become the biggest buzzword in recent times and is a crowdfacing attribute when marketed, improving the user experience. Samsung certainly has the resources and the scale to market this feature and make consumers aware of edgeAI use cases.

“On-device AI will bring internet-less search capability to mainstream phones while keeping data more personalised and private since the data remains on the device rather than being sent to the cloud for

Samsung’s AI-powered Galaxy S24 series officially launched at Galaxy unpacked last night.

“ With a long press on the home button, users can circle, highlight, scribble on or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. Seeing a landmark in the background of a friend’s social media post or a surprising fun fact on YouTube Shorts can quickly become an accurate search to learn more – without having to leave that app. ”

Note Assist features AI-generated summaries, template creation that streamlines notes with pre-made formats and cover creation to make notes easy to spot with a brief preview. For voice recordings, when there are multiple speakers, Transcript Assist uses AI and speech-to-text technology to transcribe, summarise and even translate recordings.

Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP for platforms and ecosystems at Google, said the multi-year partnership between the companies aims to deliver helpful AI experiences and services to Samsung users.

Lockheimer explained that since the beginning of Android, people have turned to Google Search to feed their curiosity and unlock knowledge right from the palm of their hands in any place in the world.

Samsung’s partnership with Google Cloud has powered Circle to Search, an intuitive, gesture-driven way to search online.

native app. No third-party apps are required, and on-device AI keeps conversations completely private.

The feature allows the user to chat with another student or colleague from abroad, book a reservation while on vacation in another country, for example.

With Interpreter, live conversations can be instantly translated on a split-screen view so people standing opposite each other can read a text transcription of what the other person has said. It also works without cellular data or WiFi.

For messages and other apps, Chat Assist helps perfect conversational tones to ensure communication sounds as it was intended: like a polite message to a co-worker or a short and catchy phrase for a social media caption.

processing. As Samsung once jumpstarted a 5G phone upgrade cycle, it will likely do so again with its on-device AI phones. Moreover, while the benefits of 5G were not as visible to the consumer, Galaxy AI’s benefits should be more apparent; the more a consumer uses AI, the more enhanced it gets with additional use cases emerging. And what better place to include AI than devices that consumers live their lives on?”

To open up mobile AI, Samsung and Google Cloud have entered into a new multiyear partnership to bring Google Cloud’s generative AI technology to Samsung smartphone users around the globe.

According to Google, Google Cloud and Gemini models are unlocking new generative AI functionality on Galaxy devices, for example, Note Assist and Transcript Assist.

“With a long press on the home button, users can circle, highlight, scribble on or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. Seeing a landmark in the background of a friend’s social media post or a surprising fun fact on YouTube Shorts can quickly become an accurate search to learn more – without having to leave that app.

“And depending on a user‘s location, for certain searches, generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web, and users can ask more complex and nuanced questions.”

Galaxy AI also introduces meaningful intelligence that defies language barriers with Live Translate, a two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls within the

“AI built into Samsung keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages. In the car, Android Auto will automatically summarise incoming messages and suggest relevant replies and actions, like sending someone your ETA, so you can stay connected while staying focused on the road,” says Samsung.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 series are currently open, with sales slated for 9 February.

In terms of pricing, customers can expect to pay R22 499 for the Galaxy S24, R25 499 for the Galaxy S24+ and a hefty R32 499 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The S24 Ultra colours include titanium gray, titanium black, titanium violet and titanium yellow, while the S24+ and S24 colours include onyx black, marble gray, cobalt violet and amber yellow.

All three models will come with additional colours available online only.

Circle to Search with Google is an intuitive, gesture-driven way to search online.

A NEW ERA OF GENERATIVE AI FOR EVERYONE

/ By Hina Patel, Managing Director within Strategy and Consulting business for Accenture in Africa /

Large language models (LLMs) are both a type of generative AI and a type of foundation model. With ChatGPT being the most popular, LLMs have woken up the world to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), capturing global attention and sparking a wave of creativity rarely seen before. Its ability to mimic human dialogue and decision-making has given us AI's first actual inflexion point in public adoption.

Accenture found that LLMs like GPT-4 can impact 40% of all working hours, as language tasks account for 62% of employees' total time. Therefore 65% of that time can be transformed into more productive activity through augmentation and automation. Business leaders recognise the significance of this moment, as they can see how LLMs and generative AI will fundamentally transform everything from business to science to society itself, unlocking new performance frontiers.

Welcome to AI's new inflexion point

Generative AI is designing, building and deploying AI following clear principles to empower businesses, respect people, and benefit society. ChatGPT raises essential questions about the responsible use of AI, and it's critical that generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, are accountable and compliant by design. AI systems need to be "raised" with a diverse and inclusive set of inputs to reflect the broader business and societal norms of responsibility, fairness, and transparency.

Companies must reinvent work to find a path to generative AI value by decomposing jobs into tasks, investing in training people to work differently and reskilling people. Generative AI will disrupt work as we know it today, introducing a new human and AI collaboration dimension. Organisations that take steps now to decompose jobs into tasks and invest in training people to work differently alongside machines will define new performance frontiers and have a leg up on less imaginative competitors.

Embrace the generative AI era: Six adoption essentials

1. Dive in with a business-driven mindset AI is essential for organisations to experiment with and learn about innovations.

Companies should take a dual approach to experimentation, focused on low-hanging fruit opportunities using consumable models and applications, and reinvention of business, customer engagement and products and services using customised models with the organisation's data. A business-driven mindset is critical to defining and successfully delivering on the business case. Companies will learn more about which types of AI are most suited to different use cases, how to test and improve their approaches to data privacy, model accuracy, bias and fairness, and when "human in the loop" safeguards are necessary.

2. Take a people-first approach

Companies should invest in talent to address the two challenges of creating and using AI: creating AI and using AI. It means building skills in technical competencies and training people to work effectively with AI-infused processes. Independent economic research indicates that companies are underinvesting in helping workers keep up with advances in AI, which require more cognitively complex and judgment-based tasks. Companies should start by decomposing existing jobs into underlying bundles of tasks and assess the extent to which generative AI might affect each task.

3. Get your proprietary data ready

AI has revolutionised how businesses acquire, grow, refine, safeguard and deploy data. Companies need a strategic and disciplined approach to obtaining, developing, refining, safeguarding and deploying data, specifically a modern enterprise data platform built on the cloud with cross-functional features. These platforms allow data to break free from organisational silos and be democratised. All business data can be analysed together in one place or through a distributed computing strategy.

“ Generative AI is designing, building and deploying AI following clear principles to empower businesses, respect people, and benefit society. ChatGPT raises essential questions about the responsible use of AI, and it's critical that generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, are accountable and compliant by design. AI systems need to be "raised" with a diverse and inclusive set of inputs to reflect the broader business and societal norms of responsibility, fairness, and transparency. Companies must reinvent work to find. ”

4. Invest in a sustainable tech foundation Companies must consider the technical infrastructure, architecture, operating model and governance structure of LLMs and generative AI to meet high computing demands while keeping a close eye on cost and sustainable energy consumption. To reduce carbon emissions, companies need a robust green software development framework that considers energy efficiency and material emissions at all stages of the software development lifecycle. Additionally, AI can help make businesses more sustainable and achieve ESG goals, with 70% of companies successfully reducing emissions in production and operations.

A new era of generative AI for everyone

Building Blocks of a Cloud Native AI Data Center

HUMANS AND AI – EXPLOR ING THE CYCLE OF COMPLEME NTARY COEXISTENCE

/ By Henda Scott, Senior UX writer at Helm /

The impact of AI on jobs has been a hot topic at this year’s annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva revealing that almost 40% of jobs around the world will be impacted by the advancement of AI. Even though its effect on emerging markets is predicted to be slightly lower than in advanced economies, South Africa is bound to see some shifts in the employment sector as a result of AI adoption.

...continues on page 45

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5. Accelerate ecosystem innovation

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence and is a type of machine learning that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve computer systems. It is becoming increasingly popular, with investments from cloud hyperscalers, big tech players, and startups. These partners bring best practices and can provide valuable insights into using foundation models efficiently and effectively in specific use cases. The right network of partners, including technology companies, professional services firms, and academic institutions, will be vital in navigating rapid change in AI.

6. Level up your responsible AI

Responsible AI must be CEO-led, focusing on training and awareness, followed by execution and compliance. It should include principles and governance; risk, policy and control; technology and enablers and culture and training. Accenture was one of the first to take this approach, with a CEO-led agenda and now a formal compliance program.

The future of AI is accelerating

The most critical details in this text are that generative AI and foundation models have revolutionised how we think about machine intelligence for several years and that ChatGPT has woken up to the possibilities this creates. Artificial general intelligence (AGI) remains a distant prospect, but the development speed is breathtaking. Companies are right to be optimistic about the potential of generative AI to radically change how work gets done and what services and products they can create. Still, they also need to invest as much in evolving operations and training people as they do in technology. Companies need to invest as much in developing operations and training people as they do in technology to realise the full potential of this step-change in AI technology.

“ The most critical details in this text are that generative AI and foundation models have revolutionised how we think about machine intelligence for several years and that ChatGPT has woken up to the possibilities this creates. Artificial general intelligence (AGI) remains a distant prospect, but the development speed is breathtaking. ”

EXPLORING THE UNCANNY:

AI Hallucinations and the Intriguing Intersection of Technology and Perception

The Enigma of AI Hallucinations

are not intentional creations, they highlight the intricate nature of AI systems and the enigmatic ways in which they interpret and process information.

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), we often marvel at its ability to perform complex tasks, make predictions, and even emulate human creativity. However, there's a fascinating and slightly eerie aspect of artificial intelligence that has been gaining attention in recent years. These digital phantoms blur the lines between reality and virtuality, offering a glimpse into the mysterious world where technology and perception converge.

Hallucinations in artificial intelligence, in the context of large language models occur when the models generate results / outputs that are not grounded in reality. They occur when algorithms generate unexpected and surreal outputs that seem to transcend their programming. These digital mirages can take various forms, from bizarre images and dreamlike landscapes to uncanny audio experiences. While these hallucinations

One of the earliest instances of AI hallucinations emerged from Google's DeepDream, a neural network designed for image recognition in 2015 although the phenomenon started much earlier. DeepDream's algorithm, when turned inwards, started producing hallucinatory images filled with strange creatures and intricate patterns. What began as a simple experiment in image recognition soon transformed into an artistic exploration of the AI's imagination.

...continues on page 46

Fig.1 AI Hallucination Depiction, Bernard Marr, 2023

Fig.2 Enigma of Hallucinations, DALL-E 2023

Fig.3 Google’s DeepDream depiction of Vincent Van Gogh, Deep Dreamer Generator, 2016

Naturally, it raises so me serious questions and concerns around the application of this kind of technology and its potential to ‘replace’ humans, or ‘steal our jobs’ However, it’s important to note that the impact won’t always be negative. In fact, it’s estimated that around half of the jobs impacted will actually benefit from the introduction and implementation of AI.

Time has already shown that even GenAI has its pitfalls and isn’t going to make us all redundant just yet. Being pro-AI doesn’t mean you’re anti-human. And being prohuman shouldn’t mean you’re anti-AI either. Without us, AI wouldn’t exist. And without AI, many of our processes would take a whole lot longer.

Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the one supersedes the other. At Helm, our goal has always been to use technology to assist – and not replace – people, which is why we believe in developing human-first, AI-powered solutions and experiences.

For most of us currently working in AI, the goal is to make it more human-like, and one of the best ways to emulate our behaviour is to engage real people. Human input – in the form of intention, innovation, implementation and intervention – is crucial in order to allow the technology to evolve. So, who are the real people who engage with AI, and how does their involvement shape its evolution?

First up, we have those who request AI –typically our clients. These are the humans who know just enough about the tech to know they want it, but not enough to know if they actually need it. When an AI solution is requested by a potential client, our approach is always to first determine their business challenges in order to establish whether AI can really solve the problem. An In-depth understanding and ethical reasoning are crucial and must precede any implementation – and AI models don’t come cheap, at least not at the moment. Using AI to solve a problem that could’ve been fixed through a number of alternative, simpler solutions can result in a waste of expenditure, as well as precious and limited resources.

One such resource is our team of engineers and designers, who work together to develop AI solutions for our clients and their customers – that is, after we’ve established that AI is the answer. Once we’ve done that, figuring out exactly which solution will be best for the problem at hand is often a collaborative effort, with the end goal being the creation of an interface where the endusers can engage with it.

There are so many points at which various humans engage with AI, and it’s

thanks to their input that AI is able to learn and evolve. As the developers and designers of human AI experiences, we have the power to direct the flow of information and guide the user to meet AI at the most opportune point, where the right information has been captured and processed to procure the right outcome. While the developers of the technology focus on optimising functionality and performance to simulate human reasoning, those who design the experience do it in a way that attempts to emulate a true human interaction (whilst always remaining transparent about the fact that the user is, in fact, not engaging with a real person).

But this isn’t where our involvement or responsibility stops. For us, as Africa’s CX innovation experts, the humans who use AI are arguably the most important. As the custodians of the point where they inevitably meet AI, we are responsible for managing all aspects of their experience, from initiation to completion. Not only do we want to create AI solutions that help them, we have to make sure our solutions do not cause any harm (albeit unintended) to them, their livelihoods or their environments.

While many aspects of AI are already governed by existing cyber security, data protection and privacy laws, we recognise that AI technology is developing much faster than legislation can be passed. In addition, we believe the evaluation and regulation of our AI solutions should extend beyond what is lawful to encompass what is ethical as well. This is why it’s important for us to ensure that those who monitor and regulate AI are involved in every step of the development process – from inception to implementation and in every iteration that follows. Having these humans involved from the get-go means we are able to identify potential pain points an implement preemptive steps to mitigate these, or even completely reimagine a solution altogether if it poses a potential risk.

By making the artificial feel real, we can showcase the power of AI and its potential application to solve real-world problems.

By removing some of its perceived threats, we can change negative perceptions around the tech and encourage more humans to engage with it. AI is showing no signs of slowing down and as AI adoption in Africa continues to soar, so will the need for real accountability. And while we believe in ceding as many tedious tasks as possible to machines, making sure AI is used lawfully, ethically and responsibly will always remain our human responsibility.

For more information on Helm and the services it offers, please visit www.helm. africa

About HELM

Helm has spent the last twenty years creating best-across-class products and services that have answered complex customer experience challenges. The team designs intelligent products and services that have helped Africa’s biggest brands turn messy customer realities into experiences they can’t live without. Its tiered product offering combines tools, tech and expertise to meet the needs of any size business. To date, Helm has helped its clients to connect, converse with and convert over 500 million users across multiple markets, channels and languages. Clients include the likes of Absa, MTN, DStv and Makro.

“ For most of us currently working in AI, the goal is to make it more human-like, and one of the best ways to emulate our behaviour is to engage real people. Human input – in the form of intention, innovation, implementation and intervention – is crucial in order to allow the technology to evolve. So, who are the real people who engage with AI, and how does their involvement shape its evolution?

...continued from page 44

Hussam Alkaissi and Samy I. McFarlane, noted in their 19th February 2023 paper, Artificial Hallucinations in ChatGPT: Implications in Scientific Writing that, when they asked ChatGPT to provide a short paragraph on the mechanism of homocysteine-induced osteoporosis, “it touched on three main aspects, osteoblast inhibition, osteoclasts over activity, and, surprisingly, their mechanism on vitamin K-related carboxylation of osteocalcin”.

Thorough review of the literature on bone metabolism and homocysteine shows that, the first two facts provided by ChatGPT were correct regarding osteoblast and osteoclast imbalance and the progression of osteoporosis.

“Similarly, when taken alone, the biochemistry of undercarboxylated osteocalcin and osteoporosis is the valid mechanism by which vitamin K deficiency is associated with osteoporosis. Homocysteine can reduce osteocalcin production but has nothing to do with post-translational carboxylation of osteocalcin glutamate residues”, writes Hussam Alkaissi and Samy I. McFarlane, 2023, 2

When references dating back over 20 years that had been provided by ChatGPT were checked,” none of the provided paper titles existed, and all provided PubMed IDs (PMIDs) were of different unrelated papers”. "Kallajoki M, et al.

Another example is that of Google's WaveNet, an AI system for generating realistic human-like speech, has been known to create hauntingly beautiful melodies and eerie soundscapes. When researchers experimented with the parameters of WaveNet, it resulted in unexpected audio hallucinations, showcasing the AI's capacity to explore realms beyond its intended functionality.

underscore the need for responsible development and monitoring. These hallucinations produced by AI systems may inadvertently reflect the biases present in the training data. This phenomenon serves as a reminder of the importance of diverse and representative datasets to mitigate the risk of perpetuating societal biases through AI outputs.

The surreal outputs of AI hallucinations challenge our conventional understanding of reality, and the potential AI holds for the future. As AI increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives, these digital mirages prompt us to consider how they might influence our perceptions and shape our cultural narratives.

AI hallucinations provide a captivating glimpse into the untamed creativity of artificial intelligence. Most leading lights in the artificial intelligence space, such as Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk have called for a slow down or even a total pause on all artificial intelligence research until such time that the risks of artificial hallucinations are understood and can be mitigated. Interestingly, while the CEO of Open AI acknowledges the existence of AI Hallucinations, he offers a rather different view in that he sees these as “systems coming up with new ideas and being creative”.

Stuart J. Russel, a leading British computer scientist and an artificial intelligence researcher goes further by saying that AI systems spread misinformation and will cause untold destruction if placed in the wrong hands.

This leads us to the Implications and Ethical Considerations that while the advancement in LLMs offer a captivating glimpse into the potential of artificial intelligence, they also raise important questions about ethics and control. As we delegate more decision-making to AI systems, the unintended consequences of these hallucinations

As we navigate this uncharted territory, it is crucial to approach these phenomena with curiosity and caution. By understanding the mechanisms behind AI hallucinations, we can harness the potential of technology while also addressing the ethical implications that arise in this fascinating intersection of technology and perception. As AI continues to evolve, the exploration of its hallucinatory capabilities opens new doors to artistic expression, philosophical contemplation, and a deeper understanding of the intricate dance between machines and the human mind. Artificial Intelligence Hallucinations challenges us to accept that we cannot leave the fate of humanity to machines. We are called to accept that at every step of the way, these machines require of us that we supervise to avoid disasters.

Fig.4 The Spectrum of Mutation of Homocystinuria, Genes (Basel) On-Line, 2020

Fig.5 Illustration of Google’s WaveNet, agsandrew (opens in a new window)/ Shutterstock, 2016

Fig.6 Ethical implications of AI hallucination, Artemis Diana (Getty Images)

Fig.7 The future impact of AI and the potential it holds for humanity, Getty Images

Invest in Tshwane

South Africa’s Capital City, the City of Tshwane, is situated in the province of Gauteng, the economic centre of South Africa. As the seat of government, Tshwane is the country’s administrative hub and houses 134 embassies, 30 international organisations making it second only to Washington DC in terms of the concentration of the diplomatic and foreign missions. It is also home to over 30 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies as well as various multinational companies.

The city is home to four universities and various research institutes and its knowledge and information industry is well-developed. Tshwane has a high literacy rate, a large concentration of financial and business services in the region, support of educational institutions and communication infrastructure, including broadband capacity.

Why Tshwane?

Tshwane is the knowledge centre of South Africa. The City has a high concentration of academic, medical, social science, technology and scientific institutions which produces 90% of medical, science and technology research in the country and 60% of the country’s overall research output. The city has a student population of 60000 and high levels of literacy, giving investors access to a skilled workforce and continuous learning.

Your investment is safe with us, we are governed by investment protection legislation, The Protection of Investment Act 22 of 2015 which specifically gives foreign investors similar rights and protections available to South Africans.

We have great investment incentives such as the duty drawback schemes that provide refunds for import duties paid on the materials used in the production of goods that are re-exported.

There are no restrictions for foreign investors to acquire property in the country.

There are no restrictions on foreign investors to acquire companies or businesses in South Africa.

Tshwane has a well-developed infrastructure and road network and is centrally situated on the national road network with direct links to Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia along the east-west N4 route, and with Zimbabwe along the south-north N1 route.

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BUILDING AN ENTIRE INTELLIGE NT AGENT WORKFORCE

with AutoGen /

By Deon Van Zyl /

The development of AI agent workforces has been revolutionized with the introduction of Microsoft's AutoGen. This innovative technology is a step forward in the AI arena, aiming to change the dynamics of how large language models (LLMs) are utilized in complex workflows.

What is Microsoft AutoGen?

Microsoft AutoGen is a cutting-edge framework designed to simplify the development of next-generation Large Language Model (LLM) applications. It acts as a powerful tool to automate and optimize complex LLM workflows, thus enabling the creation of AI agent frameworks. AutoGen allows for the configuration and usage of LLMs in agents to automate complex task solving, often by leveraging group chat features with advanced inference functionalities.

How Does AutoGen Work?

At the heart of AutoGen's functionality is the ability to enable multi-agent conversations. The framework allows multiple AI agents to communicate with each other. AutoGen's multi-agent conversations facilitates seamless interaction between various departments and agents. Each agent is equipped with distinct roles which can create and collaborate across departments within an organization e.g. sales departments, marketing departments and development. Additionally, each agent can autonomously perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with their environment.

Seven reasons to consider

AutoGen:

Businesses gain significantly from the implementation of AutoGen. The framework's ability to automate complex workflows and enhance collaboration can lead to improved operational efficiency, reduced costs and

“ Microsoft AutoGen is a cuttingedge framework designed to simplify the development of next-generation Large Language Model (LLM) applications. It acts as a powerful tool to automate and optimize complex LLM workflows, thus enabling the creation of AI agent frameworks. AutoGen allows for the configuration and usage of LLMs in agents to automate complex task solving, often by leveraging group chat features with advanced inference functionalities. ”

increase collaboration. Furthermore, the customizable nature of AutoGen allows businesses to tailor AI agent frameworks, to align with their strategic objectives. Thereby providing a competitive edge in the evolving market.

1. Simplified Development of MultiAgent Systems: AutoGen simplifies the development of multi-agent systems. Which makes it easier for developers to build complex workflows. It is achievable when the agents are defined with specialized capabilities, roles and setting up interaction behaviors between them. The framework supports diverse conversational patterns which makes the development process more intuitive and modular.

2. Role Assignment: Agents within AutoGen can be assigned specific roles, such as a project manager or professional coder. These roles that are assignment is crucial for automating departments because it ensures that each agent operates within its domain of expertise. As a result of improving efficiency and effectiveness of the workflow.

3. Multi-Agent Collaboration: The framework facilitates seamless collaboration among multiple agents in order to solve complex tasks. For instance: in a code-based question answering system the agent can write the code while another agent checks

the safety. A third agent working collaboratively with the other two agents and executes the code and interprets the results. Multi-agent collaboration is pivotal. Especially when automating complex workflows across various departments.

4. Seamless Integration of Human Participation: AutoGen allows for the integration of human participation alongside the autonomous agents. The agents ensures that the automation process remains under control, guided, or corrected. Which is important in scenarios where human oversight or intervention is required.

5. Optimization and Automation of Workflows: AutoGen is tailored in orchestrating, optimizing, and automating LLM workflows. Moreover, by leveraging the strongest capabilities of advanced LLMs. AutoGen can address limitations by integrating with humans and tools and fostering conversations between multiple agents via automated chat. This is particularly beneficial in automating departments. Furthermore, AutoGen can significantly reduce manual interactions and coding effort, and improving efficiency and optimized operations.

6. Customizable and Conversable Agents: The agents in AutoGen are customizable and conversable, which means they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different departments. The agents have native support for LLM-driven code/function execution that makes them capable

“ In conclusion, Microsoft AutoGen signifies new era of AI applications that offers businesses a robust and flexible framework, build on an entire AI agent workforce. Its innovative features such as multi-agent conversations and customizable AI agent frameworks provide a solid foundation for organizations. Aimed to leverage the power of AI and drive operational excellence and achievement of business objectives. ”

of handling a wide range of tasks, autonomously.

7. Community-Driven and Open-Source

Nature: AutoGen is open-source and community-driven. AutoGen encourages continuous improvement and adaptation of the framework to meet the evolving needs of different departments and applications.

In conclusion, Microsoft AutoGen signifies new era of AI applications that offers businesses a robust and flexible framework, build on an entire AI agent workforce. Its innovative features such as multi-agent conversations and customizable AI agent frameworks provide a solid foundation for organizations. Aimed to leverage the power of AI and drive operational excellence and achievement of business objectives.

BCom (Hons), Senior System Developer

Linkedin: deonvanzyl

Deon is a sophisticated technical IT professional with a solid history of effectively bridging the gap between Programming, Security, Digital Forensics, Artificial Intelligence, and Teaching. His track record of over 25 years, has a footprint that spans major corporations, academic institutions, and government.

Deon van Zyl (Norway)

HARNESSING THE POWER OF DATA

The Matogen Applied Insights Revolution

Are you an undergraduate student? Click here

In an age where information is the bedrock of progress and innovation, the ability to harness and interpret data has become an indispensable tool. With the rapid advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), there’s a global impetus to integrate these technologies into business models and strategies. But how does one bridge the gap between the vast expanse of data and the tangible, actionable insights it holds? Enter Matogen Applied Insights.

Founded in 2018, Matogen Applied Insights has anchored itself as a luminary in the realm of data science and AI. Based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, it has adeptly combined international best practices in statistics and AI with

the raw, unbridled power of human intelligence. The company’s foray into sectors as diverse as financial services, agriculture, health, and neuro-psychology underscores its versatility and commitment to innovation.

Jacobus Eksteen, the CEO and co-founder of Matogen Applied Insights, articulates their vision:

“We’ve always collaborated with our clients, melding business acumen with the frontier of tools, techniques, and technology. Our aim is not just to provide solutions but to foster transformation.”

The company’s recent alliance with Altair, a global leader in computational science and AI, has further bolstered its offering. Altair’s renowned data analytics and AI platform, Altair RapidMiner, is now available to Matogen’s clientele in South Africa.

For the uninitiated, the Altair RapidMiner platform is a paradigm of efficiency and innovation.

Software like Altair SLC™, Altair RapidMiner Studio, Altair Monarch, and Altair Panopticon offer a comprehensive approach to data analytics, covering data ingestion, business intelligence, and decisionmaking. The hallmark of this suite is Altair Units, Altair’s gold standard token-based software licensing model, which enables businesses to seamlessly access all of Altair’s technology solutions without having to incur additional costs or procure additional licenses. Whether you are a small business or a large conglomerate relying on cloud technologies or on-premises systems, Altair RapidMiner offers something for everyone.

Ariel Hadar, managing director and country manager for Altair

Israel and Altair South Africa, succinctly captures the essence of this collaboration, “Our regional customers now have a local ally with profound expertise in data analytics and AI, especially within sectors like banking and insurance. We’re elated to have Matogen Applied Insights join our channel partner network, aiding clients in leveraging their data’s potential.”

Matogen Applied Insights’ mission transcends mere business objectives. It aims to democratize data science and AI, ensuring these tools are accessible to entities of all sizes. Its partnership with Altair is emblematic of this mission. Together, they are poised to empower South African enterprises with the instruments they need to flourish in a data-driven landscape.

For undergraduate students, especially those within the natural science departments, there is immense potential to tap into this realm. The fusion of science with data analytics offers a goldmine of opportunities, from research and development to entrepreneurship. The synergy between the scientific and artistic disciplines, championed

by platforms like The Synapse, can find a confluence in the world of data science. After all, what is data analytics, if not an art form where raw data is sculpted into insights, strategies, and innovations?

The alliance between Matogen Applied Insights and Altair is not just a business partnership; it’s a clarion call to organizations, students, and individuals. It beckons them to embrace the future to harness the boundless possibilities that data offers. In a world inundated with information, it’s not just about having data; it’s about understanding, interpreting, and using it to pave the path forward.

Generative AI

Natural Language Processing

Machine/Deep Learning

Enterprise AI:

The use of AI to help businesses by automating tasks, making better decisions, and creating new products and services.

Consult with our team

AI Advisory and Consulting

Big Data & Analytics

Boost your productivity and profitability with our AI offerings

Employee Training

AI Platform Architecture

Strategic Capacity Building for AI:

Building muscles for your business, helping it get stronger and more agile in the AI age.

SUCCESSES

Conversational AI For Healthcare

NLP For Banking Loss Events On AWS and Power BI

Empowering Teams With Power BI

Surveys Translation To Data Using Open AI GPT3 On AWS AI For Healthcare

Automated Market News Dashboard On AWS

Object-Tracking Program For Product Pricing Strategy

BAMI ONI

Founder & CEO of Eden AI

MSc in Data Science, Wits AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty

SYNAPSE

Africa’s 4IR Trade & Innovation Magazine

Published Quarterly

O cial Publication of AI Expo Africa

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Page Spread R10,000

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READERSHIP / SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

Synapse Magazine is Africa’s first and only business quarterly publication covering developments across the continent in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) smart technologies.

Synapse offers industry executives, practitioners, investors and researchers relevant news, in-depth analysis, and thought leadership articles on trends around 4IR innovation and digital transformation in industries that include banking, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, mining, agriculture, education, and government, among others.

With its insights, interviews and case studies, the magazine aims to be a voice for African 4IR practitioners, researchers, innovators, thought leaders, and the wider African AI community.

Since its launch in 2018, Synapse has amassed a combined readership of 31,300 across the Issuu platform (on which it is published), the AI Media Group’s email database, the AI Expo Africa Community Group on LinkedIn and the AI Media Group’s social media channels where the magazine is distributed. It also links to AI TV, Africa’s only dedicated YouTube streaming channel focused on 4IR business users and trade.

Over the years the magazine has established a significant following across Africa as well as globally, with readers from as far afield as the North America, South America, Europe and Asia. This makes Synapse a great marketing platform for startups and established tech companies to reach a broader community of buyers, investors and partners.

Readers around the world