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GITEX Africa Keynote: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Reinventing the way work

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Saad Toma

The future of work is here! IBM MEA General Manager, Saad Toma, in his keynote at GITEX explored how generative AI is reinventing the way we work, and gives his insights on AI adoption on the continent and discussed watsonx & real-world success stories

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 6, 2024/APO Group/ — 

After capturing the public’s imagination in 2022, generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) began to permeate the business landscape in 2023. 2024 remains a crucial year for the future of AI, with researchers and organizations pushing the boundaries by developing new algorithms and models to tackle increasingly complex tasks. 

A recent IBM report found that three out of four (75%) global CEOs believe that the organization with the most advanced gen AI will have the ultimate advantage. Moreover, 43% of CEOs said they will use gen AI to inform strategic decisions. Companies worldwide are recognizing the benefits of gen AI and its crucial role in their success. This is driving a new era of work, productivity and opportunities across industries. AI is projected to enhance human productivity and unlock an astounding $16 trillion (https://apo-opa.co/4c8KytI) in value by 2030. In perspective, the fifth largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 was about $3.7 trillion. When combined with automation technology, gen AI can help clients improve interactions with customers and partners, as well as boost operational efficiency and productivity.  

Slow but steady AI adoption in Africa

This is not just a global phenomenon; half of the African CEOs surveyed in our IBM report (https://apo-opa.co/3yOCZdH) expect to realise significant value from advanced AI and analytics. However, adopting AI is not without its obstacles. Many businesses on the continent and beyond are grappling with a multitude of challenges. Globally, 82% of IT professionals say IT complexity is impeding success in deploying AI, while 55% of business leaders (https://apo-opa.co/3yLNA93) lack key information regarding their technology spending decisions. In Africa, many organizations face barriers such as costs, market and regulatory factors, workforce readiness, infrastructure, skills gap, ethics and governance. 

Become an AI-first organization to stay ahead

To overcome these challenges, organizations must move to an AI-first approach, where AI is integrated into their business strategy across the lifecycle. Being AI-first enables businesses to be value-creators rather than solely value users. Companies that will lead their respective industries for the next decade or two will be the ones that decide to be AI-first. That is why we launched watsonx (https://apo-opa.co/4catrIm) in 2023 to develop trusted AI and drive innovation for organizations in every sector or industry. Building an open-source AI community is a core part of our AI strategy. At our recent THINK conference, we further enhanced watsonx’s data and automation capabilities to make it more open, cost-effective, and flexible for businesses.  We achieved this by releasing a family of IBM Granite code models to the open-source community. We launched InstructLab (https://apo-opa.co/4catsfo) with Red Hat, to enhance large language models and open the doors for those with minimal machine learning experience to contribute. We also announced IBM Concert (https://apo-opa.co/4cattQu) that uses AI-powered automation to help businesses to discover gaps, prioritize insights, reduce complexity and streamline operations for more innovation and cost-effectiveness.

Putting IBM AI solutions and watsonx to work across industries

Since the launch of watsonx, we have over 700 client pilots running and managing over 1,200 AI models globally. We have also increased the accessibility of watsonx by making it available (https://apo-opa.co/3XbtlvD) on AWS Marketplace, reaching 92 countries worldwide, including 18 in Africa. To name a few examples, we are leveraging watsonx’s geospatial foundation model built from NASA’s satellite data to ensure climate resilience with the Government of Kenya (https://apo-opa.co/4c76YvI) watsonx is enabling local scientists to track and visualize tree-planting activities to assist the government’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Working with Neostream Technology, an IBM business partner based in Kenya, we successfully deployed and integrated IBM Instana with M-GAS – a premium provider of liquefied petroleum gas in the country. The deployment of Instana has provided real-time monitoring and visibility. This has empowered M-GAS to track critical business applications with granular application-level insights. This has empowered M-GAS to address issues across all layers of their technology stack that previously could not be delivered by traditional monitoring tools. Lastly, Instana’s intuitive interfaces and customizable dashboards have offered rapid issue identification and resolution, fostering team collaboration, minimizing downtime, and enabling M-GAS to intervene proactively to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to their customers.

In the Middle East, we partnered with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to launch an open-source Arabic Large Language Model, ALLaM on watsonx (https://apo-opa.co/4catuUy).  This has enabled the deployment of Arabic gen AI models, which opens the possibility of building AI models for Africa using the continent’s rich and diverse languages. Globally, working with Transport for London (https://apo-opa.co/3XebtAe), we deployed IBM Maximo to assist in managing the day-to-day maintenance efforts for more than 10,000 internal technicians within the London Underground. Above ground, the software enables the tracking, support and oversight of numerous contractors – helping extend existing equipment’s life and keeping commuters happy.

Across the world, organizations are leveraging IBM’s AI business solutions to solve business challenges. Their use cases range from banking and financial services, energy, telecommunications, climate change and sustainability, customer services and entertainment to name a few.

The right partnerships and governance are key

The adoption of gen AI is accelerating across enterprises as organizations aim to gain a competitive edge and unlock new opportunities. To achieve this, organizations need to have a robust AI strategy and the right level of investment. They also need to establish and implement clear and consistent standards or guardrails concerning the utilisation of AI across all strategic focus areas. Most importantly, they need the right partner who understands the overall business objective and how to overcome barriers preventing AI adoption. Such collaborative partnerships are critical for developing robust data and AI strategies, filling the skills gaps, and guiding the organizational change necessary for successful AI adoption.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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S&P Global Commodity Insights Joins Forces with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Accelerate Africa’s Energy Development Through Market Expertise

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African Energy Chamber

S&P Global Commodity Insights has joined the African Energy Chamber as an official partner with aims to deliver market intelligence and expertise throughout the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) – the voice of the African energy sector – is pleased to announce that energy and commodities information company S&P Global Commodity Insights has joined the Chamber as an official partner. With the partnership, the AEC and S&P Global Commodity Insights aim to deliver high-level market intelligence to attract capital, technology and expertise to markets throughout the continent, with a view to driving socioeconomic development and eradicating energy poverty across Africa by 2030.

S&P Global Commodity Insights is an independent source of information, credit ratings, benchmark prices and analytics for global energy and commodities markets. The company offers market data, expertise and technology solutions to businesses, governments and regulators, helping them make informed decisions and drive sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. Through this partnership, S&P Global Commodity Insights will provide the AEC with access to its research, analysis and market reports, aiming to shape complex discussions on global energy supply chains, sustainability and the energy transition.

Africa’s energy market is expected to face a number of challenges and opportunities in 2025, shaped by domestic and regional energy growth and global trends. The continent is seeing significant additions to refining capacity solutions, notably with the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, the largest in Africa, which is set to come online in 2025. Meanwhile, Senegal and Mauritania achieved a major milestone this year with the start of operations at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development, marking the beginning of gas-drive energy security in West Africa.

Meanwhile, striving to boost natural gas production while maintaining crude output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for Angola’s energy industry. S&P Global Commodity Insights has positioned infrastructure-led exploration as the key driver of frontier basin oil and gas development in Angola, with its robust foundation comprising logistics bases, maritime terminals and refining facilities. An upcoming bid round in the country promises to drive exploration and production, bringing additional reserves online while expanding enhanced recovery at producing fields.

This partnership ensures we are not only making informed decisions but also fostering sustainable, impactful solutions for the future of Africa and the world

Libya’s target to boost oil production to 2 million bpd by 2027 has positioned the country on track for a dynamic energy sector transformation. International energy companies like TotalEnergies, Eni, Repsol, Equinor and bp have recommitted to exploration drilling activities in the country while a new oil and gas licensing round and 45 greenfield and brownfield projects are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, large-scale gas development projects are underway – including an $8 billion gas production deal with Eni – to enhance national energy security as well as regional gas trade to Europe.

On the back of a five-year licensing plan, Algeria has positioned itself for increase upstream investment and capital injection to drive new exploration activities. The country plans to inject nearly $50 billion into hydrocarbon projects over the next four years, 71% of which will be directed to exploration and production. With crude oil reserves estimated at 12.2 billion barrels – the third largest in Africa and tenth largest globally – and home to approximately 159 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Algeria offers the change for companies to make high-impact discoveries.

As such, the continent’s oil production in 2025 is projects to stay steady, with key players like Nigeria, Angola and Libya striving to boost production. additionally, natural gas will be vital for Africa’s power generation, with investments in LNG poised to increase, especially in West Africa, and new deepwater regions like Ivory Coast and Namibia further bolstering supply. While investment is cautiously optimistic, the exploration sector has seen increased interest from international companies in the Middle East and Asia, offering Africa opportunities to unlock new reserves and strengthen its position as a key player in the global hydrocarbons market.

“This collaboration with S&P Global Commodity Insights will leverage expertise of the energy sector to help shape the future of energy on the continent, enabling us to tackle the challenges of energy poverty and drive socioeconomic development in line with our 2030 goals. As we work to harness Africa’s vast natural resources, this partnership ensures we are not only making informed decisions but also fostering sustainable, impactful solutions for the future of Africa and the world,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement.

The partnership between the AEC and S&P Global Commodity Insights reaffirms the Chamber’s dedication to propelling Africa’s energy sector forward through impactful discussions, cutting-edge solutions and global market analytics. Through this partnership, S&P Global Commodity Insights will collaborate closely with the AEC by leveraging deep market insights and analysis through research experts and thought leaders, aiming to shape complex discussions on global energy supply chains, sustainability and the energy transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) College Announce Strategic Partnership

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IsDBI

These programs integrate Islamic finance values and instruments to foster economic growth in Member Countries

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) and Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC) have signed agreements to foster entrepreneurial skills and leadership excellence in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim Communities.

This collaboration aims to launch two innovative programs: the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program and the Strategic Business Leadership Program. These programs integrate Islamic finance values and instruments to foster economic growth in Member Countries. The programs will be hosted by MBSC and delivered jointly by both institutions.

This partnership underscores MBSC’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial leaders who can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and beyond

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, and Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBS College, signed the agreements during a ceremony at the IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah on 29 January 2025.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, networks, values and training needed for successful entrepreneurial ventures. The Strategic Business Leadership Program aims to develop the key attributes of entrepreneurial success: personal attributes, including behavior, personality, and capabilities, as well as business attributes such as its structure, goals, and performance management.

Both programs will include a series of interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world projects. Participants are expected to gain valuable insights into innovative thinking, business planning, and effective problem-solving.

In his comments on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem said, “We are very excited about the partnership with the MBS College. As the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group, we hope that the joint programs with MBSC will create a new breed of business leaders and entrepreneurs who successfully capitalize on the principles of Islamic finance to stimulate economic progress in their communities. Human capital is our greatest resource, and it is important that we equip our youth with the right tools and skills to face the emerging challenges of the future.”

Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC, said, “This partnership underscores MBSC’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial leaders who can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and beyond. By integrating Islamic finance principles with practical business strategies, these programs will empower participants to address real-world challenges and drive sustainable economic and social value, both within the Kingdom and across IsDB Member Countries.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Vestergaard formalizes Tiny Targets commitment to support sleeping sickness elimination

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Vestergaard

The gambiense form of the disease accounts for 92% of all cases, and the majority of people exposed to the disease live in rural areas

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Vestergaard Sàrl (www.Vestergaard.com) announced today, World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day, that it has signed the Kigali Declaration on NTDs (http://apo-opa.co/4gfeq9G), formalizing the company’s commitment to support sleeping sickness elimination efforts through the ongoing donation of “Tiny Targets” for vector control of the disease. The Kigali Declaration, launched in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022, is a high-level, political declaration that is mobilizing political will, communities, resources and action, and securing commitments needed to end suffering caused by NTDs. By signing, Vestergaard joins the 83 existing governments and organizations that have already endorsed the Declaration.

Sleeping sickness, known scientifically as human African trypanosomiasis, is an NTD endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies (http://apo-opa.co/3Ei3Q4n), and without treatment the disease is generally fatal. The gambiense form of the disease accounts for 92% of all cases, and the majority of people exposed to the disease live in rural areas.

Yesterday, Guinea was announced as the eighth country to achieve elimination (http://apo-opa.co/42AHd5l) of gambiense sleeping sickness a public health problem. In 2023 just 675 cases were reported, down from 27,862 in 1999 – a drop of 98% (http://apo-opa.co/4h75zIl). The World Health Organization (WHO) road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030 (http://apo-opa.co/4hj6YvE) now targets this disease for elimination of transmission in 15 countries by 2030.

Disease elimination can feel like a lofty aim, but for some NTDs like sleeping sickness, we’re really close

The TrypaNO! and TrypElim partnerships were established to integrate control of the tsetse flies that carry the sleeping sickness parasite with a “screen, diagnose and treat” strategy, with the aim of driving cases to zero (http://apo-opa.co/4hcAyTp). With partners including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (http://apo-opa.co/4jynwB7), IRD (http://apo-opa.co/4jzK30t), FIND (http://apo-opa.co/4jDJhj1), and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) (http://apo-opa.co/4jNGOmm), Vestergaard contributes to TrypaNO! and TrypElim by manufacturing Tiny Targets that attract and kill the tsetse flies to prevent infections being passed along to humans. Tsetse flies are particularly attracted to a specific shade of blue, so Tiny Targets use this colour to attract them, and they then fly onto Vestergaard’s innovative insecticide-treated fabric.

Since 2020, Vestergaard has donated Tiny Targets. In signing the Kigali Declaration on NTDs, the company is formalizing this commitment to donate up to 150,000 Tiny Targets every year to help achieve the 2030 elimination target for sleeping sickness as set out in the WHO road map for NTDs. This commitment is publicly available in the Kigali Declaration commitment tracker (http://apo-opa.co/4hexm9D), an online accountability mechanism that publicly tracks and manages commitments made against NTDs that is managed by Uniting to Combat NTDs.

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “Disease elimination can feel like a lofty aim, but for some NTDs like sleeping sickness, we’re really close. This success is due to strong partnerships, with multiple stakeholders working together to establish a fully integrated strategy of effective vector control, diagnosis and treatment – as well as essential cross-border support from countries for the implementation of these tools. It is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when the necessary interventions are made available and accessible when and where they are needed. We thank our TrypaNO! partners for their ongoing support, and Uniting to Combat NTDs for the opportunity to formalize our commitment to continue donating Tiny Targets as we work together to achieve the WHO elimination goals.”

Dr Andrew Hope, Senior Programme Manager at LSTM, said: “Vestergaard has been a partner in the Tiny Targets programme since its inception.  In the early stages, they made major technical contributions to the materials and design of Tiny Targets and then followed this up with annual donations of Tiny Targets.  They are essential partners in the effort to eliminate sleeping sickness.”

Dr Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs, said: “Vestergaard’s signing of the Kigali Declaration and ongoing donation of Tiny Targets for sleeping sickness control is a powerful demonstration of how innovation and partnerships can accelerate progress toward the WHO 2030 NTD goals. As we navigate an increasingly challenging global financing landscape, commitments like Vestergaard’s are more important than ever to protect the gains we’ve made and continue driving down transmission. Achieving the WHO targets requires coordinated efforts and novel tools like Tiny Targets that are tailored to the unique challenges of diseases such as sleeping sickness. We celebrate partners like Vestergaard who remain steadfast in their commitment to improving the lives of millions of people worldwide and ensuring that NTD elimination becomes a reality.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

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