Unlocking Africa’s Potential with AI — Thabang Ledwaba



AI Summary

In this engaging talk, speaker Tabang Lewaba explores the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of Africa and its potential impact on the continent. He begins with a personal introduction, sharing insights about his name, which means ‘to be happy’ in Satuana, and reflects on the historical aspects of AI, from neural networks to generative AI and the new discussions about agentic AI. Tabang discusses the misconceptions surrounding Africa’s technological advancements and highlights the continent’s unique innovations, particularly in the fintech space, emphasizing the capabilities of technologies such as M-Pesa. He challenges the audience to reconsider how Africa is perceived globally and advocates for embracing local resources and creativity. The talk concludes with a call to action for Africans and global players to collaborate and innovate, ensuring Africa takes its rightful place at the global technological table. The importance of changing the narrative about Africa’s potential and actively participating in the AI revolution is emphasized throughout the talk.