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In chatbots we trust—but should we?

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2 years ago

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ChatGPT

Chatbots have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, aiding us with banking tasks, resolving inquiries, and even entertaining us with trivia games; But the burning question remains: should we truly trust them?

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 5, 2024/APO Group/ —

The rise of advanced language models like ChatGPT has ushered in a new era of human-like interactions, where chatbots can engage in natural conversations, solve complex problems, and even exhibit creative thinking. This remarkable progress has opened up a world of possibilities, but it also raises concerns about the reliability and accountability of these systems, warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA (www.KnowBe4.com).

“While most users have reported positive experiences with chatbots, instances of factual inaccuracies, hallucinations, and potential privacy risks have surfaced,” says Collard. A recent study (https://apo-opa.co/3LTtP2I) by Consumers International found that although 64% of participants would use chatbots again, a significant portion encountered reliability issues.

The cautionary tale of sports journalist Karien Jonckheere serves as a poignant example. Seeking inspiration for a cricket promo, Karien turned to ChatGPT, only to be met with a mix of accurate and fabricated match details that left her astounded. “It listed six matches, of which three were correct,” she remembers. “They completely fabricated the other three matches. It had given dates, venues, names of players, who scored the winning runs—all very specific, but completely made up.”

“This is one of the obvious dangers of using chatbots,” comments Collard. “While they excel at answering straightforward questions, they can sometimes generate responses that are factually incorrect or nonsensical.”

Privacy and security are also crucial factors to consider. As chatbots become privy to our personal information and preferences, concerns arise regarding the protection and potential misuse of this data. “The stakes are high, as chatbots are no longer mere novelties but integral components of our digital ecosystem. From banking transactions to critical decision-making processes, their influence continues to grow,” says Collard.

Benefits of using chatbots

The advantages of chatbots for individuals and businesses are undeniable. “Chatbots are available around the clock, providing immediate responses to queries, which is especially useful for different time zones and those needing after-hours help,” explains Collard.

Their knack for providing prompt solutions to basic queries enables companies to leverage them on a large scale, resulting in significant cost savings. “Chatbots excel in managing repetitive tasks tirelessly, such as addressing common questions or assisting users through standard procedures,” remarks Collard. “They can juggle many interactions concurrently, a feat unattainable for a team of human agents.”

Risks of using chatbots

However, challenges arise when chatbots encounter complex inquiries beyond their scope. “It’s important to remember that they don’t understand what they’re saying,” explains Collard. “They collate information from all over the web and stitch it together to formulate a response.”

As Jonckheere soon realised, chatbots are—for now at least—ill-equipped at intricate problem-solving and can invent details when they are unsure of facts. “They also lack human intuition, leading to difficulties in grasping subtleties, sarcasm, and context,” Collard says. That is why chatbots could be programmed to transfer complex queries to human operators where relevant, Collard suggests. “A robust chatbot system should offer the option to escalate the conversation to a human customer service representative for complex or sensitive queries that automated responses may not effectively address.”

Privacy and security considerations

Regarding privacy, it’s important to exercise caution when sharing sensitive details with a chatbot. That is why companies using these novel technologies should also have strict privacy compliance regulations in place.

“Chatbots typically collect user data to personalise interactions and improve services. And you may not want all your personal data being reused by the algorithm for other queries. Remember whatever we upload to public models such as ChatGPT, will be fed into their model, unless you specifically tick a setting that says otherwise. For companies making use of chatbots, it’s crucial that it is managed like any other system, meaning restrict its access to information that it absolutely needs access to, and ensuring that personal information is stored securely and managed according to strict privacy regulations, such as POPIA,” asserts Collard. “For chatbots that handle sensitive transactions, such as banking queries, they should authenticate users before any personal information is accessed or shared.”

From a security perspective, it is important to test chatbots for prompt injection attacks before launching them to consumers. “Similar to other software, regular updates are essential for chatbots to address vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit,” notes Collard. “A purpose-built chatbot should also incorporate security measures to thwart automated threats such as spam bots.”

So, can we trust chatbots? “I like using chatbots, however when I use it for research or for anything where I need accurate data, I will always double check the original sources,” she expresses. “It is great that chatbots are available 24/7 and can help with a task or query at lightning speed.”

However, collaboration between humans and machines is key. “The crucial aspect is integrating chatbots in a manner that complements the strengths of human agents, enabling a seamless transition to live assistance when needed,” Collard concludes. “Businesses can leverage the scalability and data-processing capabilities of chatbots, while users enjoy the convenience of instant and accessible service.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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