The Chief Information Officer of MTN Ghana, Bernard Acquah, has reiterated that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to help improve human lives and not to replace human roles.
According to him, the true power of AI lies not in replacing human roles but in augmenting and enhancing the unique strengths that only humans possess.
Speaking at the MTN Business Chief Technology Innovation Officers (CTIO) Roundtable Africa forum in Accra on the theme, “Driving Business Value Through Data and AI”, Acquah explained that the combination of AI and data has become a game-changer, allowing for an unprecedented visibility into operation to make proactive, data-driven decisions that hitherto were impossible.
AI is about partnership and collaboration, not replacement. By addressing the challenges and focusing on responsible implementation, businesses can harness AI to thrive in the future,” he stressed.
He further added that “AI not only automates tasks, but aids in decision-making, and allows for a level of personalization previously impossible”.
He noted that data and AI transform operations by enabling businesses reduce waste, prevent problems before they happen, find optimal pricing, safeguard themselves from fraud, and build strong customer relationships.
Stressing on the symbiotic relationship between data and AI, he explained that AI heavily relies on the quality and availability of data, adding inaccurate, incomplete, or biased data can lead to flawed results.
Companies can’t achieve their AI goals without prioritizing data quality and management. A well-organized data strategy ensures that your AI models generate valuable outputs,” he emphasized.
In her welcome address, the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, stressed that industry players and stakeholders play a crucial role in leveraging the power of new technologies like AI, to drive organizations and the country forward.
In this digital era, data and AI are essential for business transformation through innovation and remaining competitive across industries,” she noted.
Panel discussion
The Managing Partner of the Hatchery and Coral Reef Innovation Hub, Richard Osei Anim, in a panel discussion, advised employees to stay relevant on the job market by improving on their skills and knowledge because AI will change the nature of jobs.
There is workforce disruption and work task disruption, one should keep in mind how to stay relevant in the job market,” he advised.
The CEO of Chenosis, Saad Syed, was of the view that Africa will power the world if the younger generations are equipped to build apps and solutions, “Not just to solve our problems but for the rest of the world. AI is now so advance that there are virtual coders who will take your semantic input and produce the results”.
He noted that Africa is currently the only continent that does not have a software industry despite having about 700,0000 developers serving the continent
Chenosis wants to contribute to Africa’s contribution in the software domain,” he remarked.
Hosted by MTN Business, the CTIO Roundtable Africa Forum aims to provide a knowledge-sharing platform for CIOs and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the tech landscape in Africa.
With a focus on digital transformation, 5G technology, cyber security, IoT (Internet of Things), and sustainable tech solutions, the event was a catalyst for driving technological advancement across the continent.
Participants at the Roundtable shared industry insights, discussed challenges, and solutions to drive digital transformation in a globally connected world while supporting local innovation.