Bank Windhoek focused on the transformative potential of AI in Africa at its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session. Key speakers, including Managing Director Baronice Hans and Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, emphasized the importance of leveraging AI for sovereignty, ethical practices, and local solutions. The discussions reinforced the need for collaboration and strategic action to navigate the future of AI in Africa effectively.
Bank Windhoek recently hosted its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, focusing on the significant influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. The discussions centered around the ways AI is transforming industries and crucial decisions for the continent’s future. Managing Director Baronice Hans underscored the necessity for Africa to strategically leverage AI to foster sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Hans articulated the importance of Africa crafting its trajectory in the realm of AI, stating, “Africa stands at the crossroads of this revolution. The decisions we make today will echo for generations to come.” She emphasized that AI should not create dependency but should empower the continent to realize its potential. Furthermore, she noted that Bank Windhoek aims to develop AI-driven solutions that align with its core values while safeguarding data privacy.
Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, Programme Director at the University of Numerique in Senegal, delivered an impactful keynote address titled “Africa Stands at the Crossroads of the AI Revolution; We Must Shape Our Destiny by Crafting AI Strategies That Safeguard Our Sovereignty.” He posited that Africa must transition from AI consumption to production, leveraging local data to create AI tools that address regional issues.
Ndiaye emphasized the importance of building AI with indigenous data, stating, “When AI is built with local data and tailored to the African context… AI can solve African problems across various sectors.” He called upon the banking sector to adopt ethical AI practices to maintain trust and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Ryan Geyser, Bank Windhoek’s Digital Data and Customer Transformation Executive Officer, remarked on the critical role of AI in shaping Africa’s future. He asserted, “We must continue to collaborate, learn, and take decisive action to shape our AI-driven future that is inclusive, ethical, and beneficial to all.” Geyser stressed the necessity for African solutions in the context of a volatile geopolitical landscape, recognizing AI as a pathway for problem-solving.
The Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session facilitated vital discussions among Bank Windhoek’s customers, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to being “Connectors of Positive Change.” Through collaboration and partnerships, Bank Windhoek seeks to enhance customer value in today’s complex global economy. The event featured notable figures including Jacquiline Pack, Bank Windhoek’s Marketing and Corporate Communication Services Executive Officer.
In conclusion, the Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session hosted by Bank Windhoek highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in Africa. The discussions emphasized the need for the continent to proactively shape its AI strategies to ensure sovereignty, foster innovation, and support sustainable growth. Key speakers advocated for ethical AI practices, the utilization of local data, and the importance of collaboration in achieving an inclusive future for Africa’s AI landscape.
Original Source: economist.com.na
