Education can inspire the next generation of innovators IMD business school for management and leadership courses

Safeguarding personal information and preventing misuse or unauthorized access to data should be key priorities in any smart city project. AI-powered surveillance systems can contribute to safer cities by detecting and alerting authorities to potential threats or criminal activities in real-time. Video analytics, facial recognition, and predictive policing algorithms can assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and preventing crime, ultimately making cities more secure for residents and visitors. Boards are the custodians of organisational strategy, and in today’s digital world, they must lead the charge on digital trust.

Kickstart Africa

• As more people become aware of the contributions that black geeks are making in various fields, it is likely that the trend will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.
• If anything, GoTyme’s current growth trajectory makes the move a logical next step.
• “Our unemployment rates are higher than ever, and many young South Africans are still programmed to believe that tertiary and a 9 to 5 is their only viable option to earn a living.
• These lessons will be tailored to “students aged with a focus on those from underserved communities,” according to the Foundation spokesperson.

Microsoft Africa’s chief technology and solutions officer, Ravi Bhat, joined Connecting Africa for a video interview at Africa Tech Festival 2024 to talk about the growth of generative AI (GenAI) in Africa and the geekulcha.com trends that are impacting enterprises. “Technology companies have exploited minimal data protection legislation and local competition to set up widespread software communication solutions for the African market to collect user data,” the authors write. The rate of change in the world of tech presents the African continent with an exciting opportunity to define a digital narrative that will help shape its future.

Similarly, countries like Nigeria thrive on so-called “informal” commerce — beyond the purview of tax collections and other authorities — which makes up nearly 60% of its GDP. Combining that with the high number of unbanked consumers and businesses, a model that has physical elements is more of a necessity than an innovation. In Nigeria, the QED-backed Moniepoint has taken a slightly different approach, building an extensive network of agents nationwide. About 200,000 of these agents are small business owners equipped with point-of-sale (POS) devices and act as human ATMs, enabling cash deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. The system mirrors the model that has driven mobile money success in Africa, which Safaricom’s M-Pesa pioneered in Kenya. TymeBank began by offering retail customers low-cost bank accounts and savings products before expanding into business banking, providing working capital to small businesses in South Africa.

Does Geekulcha have any presence ko kasi or in rural areas?

Investing in talent is paramount in helping achieve this journey of the African digital narrative, and it must start by assessing and understanding the health of the Africa tech ecosystem. The main focus is on skills development and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation that will make them be active leaders of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. Creating robust regulatory frameworks that balance innovation and customer protection is crucial. Governments and financial institutions must work together to establish appropriate guidelines and policies to govern the use of fintech AI in banking. We are committed to working with our partners to develop simple, affordable technical solutions to every-day challenges in the remotest areas of Africa.

On a national level, digital connectivity has typically translated to a more productive workforce, higher standard of living, and economic growth. As AI continues to advance, African startups are at the forefront of driving AI innovation. With their unique perspectives, ingenuity, and determination, these pioneers are pushing the boundaries of technology and creating solutions that cater to the specific needs of the continent. The future of AI in Africa looks promising, with the potential to transform various sectors and position the continent as a global leader in AI-powered innovation. M-Pesa, launched in Kenya in 2007, revolutionized financial inclusion by allowing users to send and receive money through their mobile phones.

It is also inspiring a new generation of young black geeks who are eager to pursue their passions and make their mark in the world. As more people become aware of the contributions that black geeks are making in various fields, it is likely that the trend will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come. Smart city initiatives should prioritize inclusivity and involve citizens in the planning and decision-making processes.