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Artificial Intelligence Done Right

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How a payroll platform built an AI assistant that its customers can trust

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Generative AI can be a powerful business knowledge service, saving considerable time for employees. Yet, concerns grow around AI accuracy and how it handles sensitive information. According to a 2025 KPMG survey (https://apo-opa.co/3UgIjBb), only 46% of company workers trust AI, and that proportion is shrinking, especially since 56% say they are making more mistakes because of AI. 



 

Despite such growing doubts, the technology can be an exceptional information source and time-saver, especially for sensitive, technical, and contextual queries. A South African payroll platform developed these advantages, using AI to provide detailed and contextual information for customer employees and payroll teams.

 

Payroll staff spend considerable amounts of time answering routine questions, such as why someone’s net pay decreased, what amount of taxes they paid, or how much overtime they earned last month. Said staff also have queries around formulas and components, regulations, payroll statuses in different business units, and creating new payroll structures.

 

“Payroll staff juggle a lot of queries,” says Warren van Wyk, Director at Deel Local Payroll, home of the PaySpace payroll platform. “Can generative AI handle those queries while adding real context? We believe it can, but that’s not enough. There has to be trust, accuracy, and oversight. How do we create those things? That was the challenge we set for ourselves.”

 

Building an AI assistant worthy of payroll

 

Generative AI excels at conversing in natural language, changing how we communicate with technology. Already, search engines produce AI-compiled answers that users can expand with follow-up questions.

 

Yet, search answers are relatively simple. An AI that handles payroll queries must meet specific parameters. Van Wyk didn’t want another chatbot that simply responded to keywords. Payroll information is very contextual, and the AI must reflect that. Payroll environments are also full of private information, security limits, and regulations that require strict oversight and privileges.

 

These stipulations define the baseline for a useful generative AI payroll assistant. Thus, the engineers at Deel Local Payroll developed AI Assist, a remarkable assistant that can answer payroll questions tailored to the person asking. Employees get specific answers about their payslips, from what they pay in tax to deductions and overtime.

 

Payroll staff additionally use AI Assist to surface and study specific payroll components and formulas, handle detailed queries, and explore the PaySpace platform’s knowledge base. AI Assist provides answers relevant to an organisation’s payroll setup, such as calculation formulas or listing components sharing specific tax codes. Payroll departments also use AI Assist to understand and exploit the PaySpace system’s features.

 

Building trust in AI

Generative AI done right is changing business for the better

 

However, being helpful is not enough. Generative AI can make mistakes. Firms worry about AI’s access to information. Can someone use AI to learn other people’s salaries? Will the AI unearth forgotten and under-supervised data? What about the current data? Payroll information is incredibly sensitive. What if the AI causes a data leak or embeds that information in its model?

 

Developers understand how crucial it is to answer those concerns and use them as their baseline, says Van Wyk.

 

“We are very conservative with AI Assist’s features, focusing on several important things from the start. We host pre-engagements with our customers to identify specific use cases, and we established several rules. The AI will be native to the platform, not an integration. It will conform to ISO and SOC standards, and it will show a user only what they have authority to access. Nobody can ask AI Assist about other people’s salaries if they don’t have the authority to see those details. If a feature can’t meet those criteria, it goes back onto the shelf.”

 

The team designed AI Assist’s infrastructure to ensure sensitive data doesn’t appear to the wrong user or end up inside an AI’s model. Whenever someone interacts with the AI, it creates a temporary instance on secure Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. No data leaves that space, and access to data depends on the user’s profile as determined by the PaySpace platform.

 

To reduce the risk of hallucinations and other mistakes, the system doesn’t rely solely on the AI model. It runs subsystems that handle specific queries and data access, passing information to the AI.

 

“We cannot use our customers’ data to train the model,” says Van Wyk. “Instead, we have systems that curate the right data and hand information to the AI, which then responds to the user. This is very important and has two advantages. It stops data from leaking into the AI model, and it improves answer accuracy because we directly control the mechanisms that link the data with AI Assist.”

 

Intuitive and effective

 

Hype and misconceptions cloud generative AI’s potential. Deel Local Payroll avoids these issues by focusing on the technology’s most obvious value and deliberately slowing its development pace to ensure maximum, focused benefits.

 

“We start from a basic premise: how can generative AI make things easier for our customers, whether they are working on payroll or need answers from payroll. How do we create thoughtful communication that gives them answers they can trust? It’s that simple, but it’s still very difficult to figure out because this is a new technology with many unknowns. So, we move carefully, test thoughtfully, and involve our customers through user engagements and beta testing.”

 

The results are incredible: “It’s amazing; there’s nothing like it. This will change payroll and every aspect of how we engage with business information. Generative AI done right is changing business for the better.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

 

 



 

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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