This month’ s cover story, which can be found on page 14, features Nick Manterfield, Chief Executive Information Officer at Absa CIB. He tells us how Artificial Intelligence could either magnify inequality or remedy financial literacy gaps across Africa, depending on how it is governed and deployed.

Manterfield explains that AI is already reshaping the continent’ s financial sector through enhanced fraud prevention, smarter credit models and more personalised banking experiences. However, he warns that without strong regulatory frameworks and ethical oversight, AI could reinforce bias and deepen existing digital divides.

The article explores how African financial institutions can use AI to incorporate local behaviours, such as informal savings and lending networks, into more inclusive credit assessments.

Mark Bowen Editorial Director

It also highlights the opportunity for AI-powered tools to improve financial literacy through personalised guidance, predictive insights and automated support. Ultimately, Manterfield argues that responsible, inclusive AI adoption can modernise legacy systems and unlock wider economic benefits across the continent.

Elsewhere, we learn how South Africa’ s future economic competitiveness will depend on how effectively it prepares its workforce for Artificial Intelligence and automation.

Daniel Orelowitz, MD at Training Force, argues that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human performance rather than a threat, with success hinging on strong human – machine collaboration.

He highlights that the country’ s greatest barrier to Digital Transformation is not technology, but a widening skills gap that demands continuous, practical and flexible learning.

Closer partnerships between industry and training providers are essential to ensure digital skills programmes remain relevant, agile and aligned with real business needs.

Ultimately, Orelowitz stresses that empowering employees to embrace lifelong learning and develop AI capabilities is critical to driving productivity, inclusion and long-term economic growth. You can read more starting on page 24.

Don’ t forget, you can stay informed with daily news updates on our website, where we bring you the latest insights and developments from the world of business technology. I’ d like to wish you a productive and successful month ahead. Please enjoy this issue and take your time to explore the articles we have prepared for you. See you next time. www. intelligentcio. com

INTELLIGENT CIO AFRICA

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