Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 86 | Page 14

NEWS

Obscure Technologies highlights Africa ’ s growth potential in cybersecurity , digital transformation

Earlier this month ten African countries with the highest GDP growth forecast for 2024 , as projected by the International Monetary Fund , IMF , were highlighted in the media . Cybersecurity specialist , Obscure Technologies , notes that while the economic implications of anticipated growth are evident , it is equally crucial to examine what this forecast means for the cybersecurity industry across the continent .

“ This projected growth holds substantial implications and benefits for both the economies and cybersecurity sectors of these nations ,” says Yaadhna Singh- Gounden , Obscure Technologies Head of Development for the African region .
Justin Lee , Managing Director , Obscure Technologies notes the projected growth figures signal fertile ground for economic opportunity and acceleration of digital transformation . “ It positions these nations for greater resilience in the face of growing cyber threats . As these countries embark on a journey to fortify their cybersecurity defences , they find themselves at the intersection of technological innovation and economic fortitude , ready to navigate the digital age ,” he says .
The forecast for sector sales on the continent signifies a resolute commitment by the named countries to bolstering cybersecurity measures , this in turn will lead to significant market opportunity .
Obscure Technologies is exceptionally well positioned to avail of this through the expansion of its African operations .
Singh-Gounden expands on the possible outcomes of this forecast for the countries named in the report including investment in cybersecurity , economic resilience , business opportunity , job creation , intellectual property , digital transformation , international collaboration , mitigation of cyber risks , competitive advantage and cybersecurity talent development .
Justin Lee , Obscure
Technologies

BT advocates AI for good , demonstrates Global Fabric with ethical AI integration

Artificial Intelligence , AI has topped

Gartner ’ s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024 . Not only is it on the list , but AI augmentation and democratisation underscore many of the dominant trends .
It is acknowledged that the benefits of AI are potentially far-reaching , from
Todd Schoeman , BT Client Business Director , South Africa enabling businesses to digitise more efficiently , providing customers with a more personalised and streamlined experience , to reducing the carbon impact of our networks . That AI is powerful is indisputable , but how best to wield it in a responsible and ethical way remains up for debate .
One example is the recently launched Global Fabric . This platform showcases ethical AI integration and its tangible benefits , notably enabling a potential 79 % reduction in electricity usage – a consequential step towards cutting Scope 3 carbon emissions – achieved through its AI-powered digital orchestration layer .
By combining human intelligence and artificial intelligence , organisations can truly harness the power of AI when leveraged safely and ethically to the benefit of employees , end users , and the broader community at large .
AI is already reshaping the world of work for the foreseeable future . Our joint research with Cisco found that 78 % of business and IT executives now view AI and virtual assistant technologies as a new workplace colleague in supporting team members .
Therefore , it is business-critical to support our colleagues as the transition to AI in the workplace takes effect . Additionally , it is similarly important to underscore that AIinfused solutions will create new roles that require evolved skills , opening opportunities to up and reskill , including in roles that AI will augment or create .
To harness AI for growth , every organisation needs to play their part through responsible adoption at scale and for the benefit of all . At BT , our responsible AI approach is built on strong foundations of data governance , privacy , security , sustainability , and woven into our data fabric .
14 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com