FEATURE : ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“ An example of the impact AI can make in Africa , is overcoming one of the most prominent challenges we face – providing food security for citizens . While many farmers still rely on traditional techniques to make a living from the land , there are opportunities to use cutting-edge technology to drive Africa towards a food secure future ,” he said . “ AI in agriculture uses advanced analytics and Machine Learning to bring centuries-old farming techniques into the modern age , giving farmers the tools to optimise crop yields and mitigate the effects of climate change .”
IDC ’ s Ranjan added that Government , banking and finance , retail , telecommunications , manufacturing , healthcare and transportation are key industries leading the AI adoption within Africa . However , said Ranjan , the fastest adoption is within education , professional services , media and banking industries .
Ian Jasen van Rensburg , Senior Systems Engineer and Lead Technologist , VMware Sub-Saharan Africa , said wherever you find a software-defined , digital user , there is a good possibility that AI is connected and utilised somewhere . Van Rensburg added that several technology companies are mobilising to promote the growth of a vibrant AI ecosystem in Africa . The AI market for the continent is massive . “ In Africa , for example , AI can help with a range of the region ’ s most pervasive problems : reducing poverty and improving education to deliver healthcare and eradicate diseases , addressing sustainability challenges ,” he said .
Given the momentum around AI in Africa , CIOs still face many hurdles as they rollout their strategies or embark on AI journeys .
Ranjan agreed and pointed out that South Africa leads the AI adoption and remains a key market and the largest within Africa which is expected to reach US $ 128 million in 2021 , according to IDC ’ s latest AI Spending Guide released in August 2020 . He said the country has witnessed some new entrants within the AI space and a number of partnerships and collaborations to further accelerate the AI adoption .
“ Countries such as Kenya , Nigeria , Ghana and Ethiopia are also progressing in their AI journey which is further boosted by the on-going investments from global companies and increasing government initiatives ,” he said . “ For example , Google ’ s AI lab in Ghana , Ethiopia ’ s AI research and development ( R & D ) centre , and expansion of AI and digital skill programmes by Microsoft and IBM across Africa will further position these African countries ahead of others .”
Asif Valley , National Technology Officer , Microsoft South Africa
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