Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Understanding the trends

Artificial intelligence is rapidly revolutionizing the way businesses operate in Africa, with Kenya at the forefront of this AI transformation. James Kanyangi, Head of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at TechnoBrain Group, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on the trends and challenges facing the adoption of AI on the continent. From changing consumer behavior to industry automation, the impact of AI in Kenya is vast and promising. Kanyangi highlighted the shift towards users accessing business processes through AI platforms, such as booking flights and ordering food via WhatsApp or Skype. This user-centric approach has driven significant investment and innovation in AI startups in Kenya, with millions of dollars being raised to support these ventures. One key trend in Kenya is the increasing adoption of automation across various industries. From manufacturing to banking, insurance to logistics, and air freight, businesses in Kenya are embracing AI to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Kanyangi emphasized the potential of AI to transform both commercial and citizen services, from digitizing land registries to offering tax filing services on social media platforms. The integration of intelligent AI channels is poised to revolutionize the way Kenyans interact with businesses and government services. However, the path to AI integration is not without its challenges. Kanyangi addressed concerns around job displacement due to AI implementation, particularly in the transportation sector where fears of automation replacing human workers have surfaced. He emphasized the importance of relevant and user-driven solutions, noting that regulations may lag behind technological advancements but will eventually catch up to support innovative AI initiatives. Additionally, the shortage of skilled AI engineers poses a significant barrier to AI automation in Africa. With only one in 100 engineers possessing the necessary skills for driving AI initiatives, there is an urgent need for competency-based curriculum development and industry collaboration to bridge this skills gap. Kanyangi shared insights into TechnoBrain Group's role in advancing AI solutions in Africa, particularly through their probiotics platform. Combining AI-powered chatbots with business processes, probiotics is being leveraged in 16 African countries to enhance efficiency and productivity. The company is also exploring emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things, and Digital Agriculture to stay at the forefront of technological innovation in the region. By offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the African market, TechnoBrain Group is driving the AI revolution and paving the way for a digitally transformed future. In conclusion, the trends and challenges of AI in Kenya highlight the immense potential for innovation and growth in the region. As businesses and governments embrace AI technologies to improve services and operations, addressing skills shortages and regulatory concerns will be key to realizing the full benefits of AI adoption. With visionary leaders like James Kanyangi leading the charge, Africa is poised to become a hub of AI excellence and technological advancement in the global landscape.