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<p>Highlights of some of the unforgettable moments for the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit 2024. We bring you empowering discussions and inspiring talks by trailblazing women from across the continent and the world.</p>


Highlights Special of the 9th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives retail bank African Bank are taking to advance women in business and society. Edna Montse, Group Chief Transformation and Sustainability Officer at African Bank speaks to CNBC Africa on more.</p>


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Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: African Bank on empowering women through financial inclusion

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives cosmetics giant L’Oreal are taking to advance women in business and society. Miss South Africa 2023, Natasha Joubert joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Miss SA Natasha Joubert on the role of education in empowering women

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives multinational fast food chain McDonald’s are taking to advance women in business and society. Sechaba Motsieloa, Marketing Director at McDonald’s SA joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Forbes Woman Africa: Sechaba Motsieloa on McDonald’s approach to advancing women empowerment

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives global payment technology company Visa is taking to advance women in business and society. Lineshree Moodley, Country Head at Visa South Africa and Vusi Fele, Chief Procurement Officer at Absa joins CNBC Africa to expand on their partnership on Visa&#8217;s initiatives.</p>


Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Absa, Visa partner to empower women-led businesses in South Africa

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives sports betting company Hollywoodbets are taking to advance women in business and society. CNBC Africa is joined by the Hollywoodbets Legal and Compliance Manager, Zandile Dlamini to unpack this further.</p>


Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: How Hollywoodbets is advancing women’s economic empowerment

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives industrial and specialty gas products manufacturer Air Products are taking to advance women in business and society. Arthi Govender, General Manager, Marketing at Air Products joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Focus On: Why Air Products is partnering with Forbes Woman Africa in its gender diversity journey

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives luxury vehicle company Mercedes-Benz are taking to advance women in business and society. Alexandra Boavida, Vice President Marketing &#038; Sales at Mercedes-Benz South Africa joins CNBC Africa at the event for more.</p>


Forbes Woman Africa: How Mercedes-Benz is driving women empowerment in the automotive industry

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives global professional services network KPMG are taking to advance women in business and society. CNBC Africa caught up with Alan Barr, Partner, Private Enterprise at KPMG for more information.</p>


Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: KPMG’s Barr on elevating the role of women in family businesses

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<p>This Focus On episode, hosted at the ninth Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, highlights the importance of International Women&#8217;s Day and the initiatives luxury sneaker brand Hibacci are taking to advance women in business and society. Co-Founder of Hibacci, Nokuthula Nunge joins CNBC Africa on more.</p>


Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Hibacci Co-Founder Nokuthula Nunge on using power & influence for good

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<p>As the race towards the 4th Industrial Revolution intensifies, Africa is looking to Internet of Things to accelerate industrialization in different spectrum. Joining CNBC Africa for more on how IoT stand to transform Africa is Anu Shah, Founder and CEO EFI Hub.</p>


How the Internet of Things will transform Africa

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<p>Accenture has offered an analysis of South Africa&#8217;s value at stake which envisages over five trillion rands could be unlocked within the next decade through maximising on digital technologies. This latest report for the country comes after a similar study was done previously in places like Telengana and Denmark. Joost de Haas, Managing Director for Accenture Strategy joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


How the SA economy can unlock R5 trillion in value through digital technologies


<p><em>By Lee Naik, CEO, TransUnion Africa</em></p>



<p>In 2019, it’s not the technology that matters – it’s the thinking behind it. Disruptive technologies that once seemed revolutionary are fast becoming ordinary parts of our lives and we are reaching the point where digital stops being a thing and becomes everything. </p>



<p>My take on the trends presents a view of how we as humans can consider some of these technological advances that are intrinsically part of our world and our lives and apply purpose to them.</p>



<p><strong>Technologies
Converge as 5G Lands</strong></p>



<p>Biometrics, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI),
IOT, augmented and mixed reality: none of these technologies are new &#8211; NASA has
been using a digital twin framework as far back as the Apollo 13 mission. What
is new is the way in which they are maturing and converging at more or less the
same time, allowing them to build on each other and enable new applications.
Many potentially game-changing technologies are expected to be embedded in our
core processes within the next few years.</p>



<p>Smart cities, for example, are exploring the use of
real-time machine learning and EDGE computing to better deliver existing
connected services. As IOT sensors become cheaper and more ubiquitous, we are
now are gaining access to the sensory information needed to build applications that
solve problems in novel, hyper-contextualized ways.</p>



<p>At the same time, the catalyst that will allow these technologies to become accessible to the average African consumer is finally within reach. Last year saw the first commercially available 5G service launch in Lesotho, with more rollouts planned throughout 2019. With 5G offering speeds up to 1000 times faster than what we’re used to, digital connectivity is about to take a quantum leap forward in Africa. <br> <br>Assuming that South Africa sorts out its spectrum issues &#8211; and both government and telcos have shown great progress here over the last few months &#8211; 5G has the potential to solve a persistent barrier to digital growth &#8211; that of last mile connectivity. When even the most rural and remote areas have access to reliable, high-speed connectivity, the infrastructure will finally be in place for us to re-imagine service delivery for government and business and take us closer to an egalitarian digital society for citizens.</p>



<p><strong>AI
Goes Mainstream</strong></p>



<p>In 2019, machine learning and AI are no longer the
sole domain of the “Big Four” multinational tech companies (Google, Amazon,
Facebook, and Apple – GAFA) and major tech organisations. We’ve already seen
chatbots flourish as the tools to build them have become available to the
Average Joe. Now, we’re seeing the same happening with more advanced AI
analytics as <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/cloud-based-artificial-intelligence.html">DevOps embraces end-to-end
automation</a>. The more complex, labour-intensive tasks associated with AI are now being
packaged into simple, easy-to-deploy applications, and accessibility is opening
up in a big way.</p>



<p>This means that anyone with enough development
knowledge can theoretically build their own mini-Watson, not just major
enterprises with full data science teams at their disposal. Start-ups,
entrepreneurs, small businesses and NGOs alike will be able to leverage
existing tools to create their own AI-driven platforms and ecosystems.
According to <a href="https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2019/">Gartner</a>, citizen data scientists
are expected to grow at five times the rate of their professional
counterparts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>



<p>African organisations and entrepreneurs in
particular stand to benefit as they can more easily access game-changing data
analytics that would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. On the flipside, the
competitive landscape is about to get a lot hotter as sophisticated AI becomes
not just a nice-to-have but a key competitive differentiator. Organisations are
going to need to take a serious look at their business intelligence
capabilities going into 2019 and see whether they can keep up in a market where
AI is everywhere.&nbsp; Finally, we will see
the move from a gut feel to analytics lead organisations. </p>



<p><strong>The
Digital Identity Question Takes Centre Stage</strong></p>



<p>With the meeting of the digital and physical
worlds, having a fully formed digital identity is increasingly important in being
able to access real-world services. From banking to travel to hospitals,
industries are embracing the use of biometrics, digital onboarding, and
connected devices to serve consumers. Anyone who lacks a digital footprint
stands to be left out.</p>



<p>Shifting to a digital identity model isn’t easy,
not when identity fraud, spoofed information, and even deepfakes are
everywhere. It’s never been more important to have the tools and processes in
place to be able to distinguish real from fake. The other defining question
around digital identities is how you integrate an individual’s online and
offline behaviours to form a unified picture of who they are. Expect to see a
major focus in 2019 on data protection technologies as organisations struggle
with how to deliver more relevant experiences to their customers, without
exposing themselves to risk. </p>



<p>Identity inclusion stands to be the next great
frontier in digitising society, especially in the developing world where the
standard identity markers – ID numbers, addresses, utility bills, sources of
income &#8211; don’t always work. Thankfully, Africa has a head start in looking
beyond traditional ways of creating verifying digital identities to drive
service delivery. Using AI to establish digital identities as well as
alternative data models, will be key drivers in mapping digital identities and creating
more secure access to products and services.</p>



<p><strong>Time
To Clean Up Your Data Act</strong></p>



<p>Over the past few years, we’ve seen increased awareness
among consumers around their personal data and what it is used for. Even major
players that previously seemed untouchable are not immune to scrutiny of their
data and security policies. This year there will be less tolerance for bad data
practices.</p>



<p>The implementation of various consumer protection
policies around the world &#8211; GDPR and PoPIA in particular &#8211; put organisations
even under greater pressure to secure and utilise personal data ethically. With
great power doesn’t just come great responsibility but also a greater chance of
legal and financial consequences if you don’t follow through. </p>



<p>Data protection technologies and services should
thrive as a result, but we’ll also see companies wrestling with just how to
implement analytics and make use of personal data without falling foul of
privacy laws. Thankfully, even as AI poses a challenge, it also provides a
potential solution &#8211; already, we are seeing sophisticated automated compliance
solutions powered by machine learning and natural language processing. </p>



<p><strong>Rediscovering
Purpose in a Changing World</strong></p>



<p>We’ve seen a societal shift towards not only to more
ethical consumption of products and services, but also trying to live a more
purposeful life. Faced with more choices and information than they&#8217;ve ever had
access to, consumers are striving to make more meaningful choices whether it&#8217;s
who they work for, what they spend their time doing, or how they spend their
money. </p>



<p>Similarly, organisations are wrestling with their
own purpose in a world with nearly unlimited data and powerful technology. How
do you make the right choices to grow and deliver meaningful outcomes to
shareholders, consumers and society at large? </p>



<p>As the hype dies down on disruptive technologies
and they become an accepted part of our everyday lives, 2019 provides an
opportunity to seriously consider how they can be used purposefully. If every
choice we make is capable of being enhanced with data, and every object a
potential source of rich insights, then the limits on what we can and can’t do
to create better businesses and societies fall away. Expect the concept of
‘information for good’ to reach into even the most unexpected places as we
explore what it means to exist in the midst of the fourth industrial
revolution. </p>



<p>I’ll be expanding on each of these trends in the months
to come, providing use cases and practical advice on how to navigate each of
them. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What trends do you think
will have the biggest impact on your industry? What predictions would you add
to the list above?</p>


5 tech predictions for 2019

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<p>Various data-driven and digital technologies are increasingly being applied to help address the many social and business challenges that we face, one of these challenges being the current water crisis in the Western Cape.</p>


How IoT will pave the way for sustainable development

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<p>IoT network operator, SqwidNet, recently concluded a programme aimed to empower entrepreneurs who want to develop their skills and knowledge in IoT and this is especially important in-light of the 4th Industrial Revolution.</p>


IoT programme aimed to empower entrepreneurs

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<p>The concept of how we work is changing dramatically and is largely driven by the growth of IoT and AI, and ever-changing security threats. Joining CNBC Africa for more is Brendan McAravey, Country Manager at Citrix South Africa.</p>


Why you will no longer need passwords in 2018

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<p>The resignation of KPMG&#8217;s CEO and other senior executives, following suspected questionable dealings with the Gupta family and the South African Revenue Services, raises questions around employee and employer rights.</p>


IoT

Highlights Special of the 9th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: African Bank on empowering women through financial inclusion

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Miss SA Natasha Joubert on the role of education in empowering women

Forbes Woman Africa: Sechaba Motsieloa on McDonald’s approach to advancing women empowerment

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Absa, Visa partner to empower women-led businesses in South Africa

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: How Hollywoodbets is advancing women’s economic empowerment

Focus On: Why Air Products is partnering with Forbes Woman Africa in its gender diversity journey

Forbes Woman Africa: How Mercedes-Benz is driving women empowerment in the automotive industry

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: KPMG’s Barr on elevating the role of women in family businesses

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Hibacci Co-Founder Nokuthula Nunge on using power & influence for good

How the Internet of Things will transform Africa

How the SA economy can unlock R5 trillion in value through digital technologies

5 tech predictions for 2019

How IoT will pave the way for sustainable development

IoT programme aimed to empower entrepreneurs

Why you will no longer need passwords in 2018

IBM, MTN help protect endangered African rhinos with internet of things technology

News Tips

Advertise With Us

IoT

Highlights Special of the 9th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: African Bank on empowering women through financial inclusion

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Miss SA Natasha Joubert on the role of education in empowering women

Forbes Woman Africa: Sechaba Motsieloa on McDonald’s approach to advancing women empowerment

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Absa, Visa partner to empower women-led businesses in South Africa

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: How Hollywoodbets is advancing women’s economic empowerment

Focus On: Why Air Products is partnering with Forbes Woman Africa in its gender diversity journey

Forbes Woman Africa: How Mercedes-Benz is driving women empowerment in the automotive industry

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: KPMG’s Barr on elevating the role of women in family businesses

Focus On Forbes Woman Africa: Hibacci Co-Founder Nokuthula Nunge on using power & influence for good

How the Internet of Things will transform Africa

How the SA economy can unlock R5 trillion in value through digital technologies

5 tech predictions for 2019

How IoT will pave the way for sustainable development

IoT programme aimed to empower entrepreneurs

Why you will no longer need passwords in 2018

IBM, MTN help protect endangered African rhinos with internet of things technology

News Tips

Advertise With Us

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