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Shadow Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs Managed AI: Kaspersky reviews the use of neural networks for work in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region

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Artificial Intelligence

While AI tools, which help automate everyday tasks, are becoming ubiquitous in many organisations, they often remain part of ‘shadow IT’, when employees use them without corporate guidance

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 20, 2025/APO Group/ –Recent Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) research entitled “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour” has found that 81,7% of professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region say that they utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for work tasks. However, only 38% have received training on the cybersecurity aspects of using neural networks, which is one of the critical elements of protection against AI-related risks ranging from data leaks to prompt injections. The research included participants from South Africa, Kenya and Egypt, where the trends were similar to that of the META region.

The vast majority of survey respondents in the META region (94,5%) said that they understand what the term “generative artificial intelligence” means, and for many employees this knowledge is no longer just theoretical: AI tools have become part of their every workday. Overall, 81,7% of respondents use AI tools for work: most often – to write or edit texts (63,2%) and work e-mails (51,5%), to create images or videos with the help of neural networks (45,2%), and for data analytics (50,1%).

The survey uncovered a serious gap in employee preparedness for AI risks. A third (33%) of professionals reported receiving no AI-related training. Among those who had courses, 48% said the focus was on how to effectively use AI tools and create prompts; while only 38% received guidance on the cybersecurity aspect of AI use.

For successful AI implementation, companies should avoid the extremes of a total ban as well as a free-for-all

While AI tools, which help automate everyday tasks, are becoming ubiquitous in many organisations, they often remain part of ‘shadow IT’, when employees use them without corporate guidance. 72,4% of respondents said generative artificial intelligence tools are permitted at their work, 21,3% acknowledged these tools are not allowed, while 6,3% were unsure.

To make employee use of AI more clear and secure, organisations should implement a company-wide policy regarding this aspect. This policy can prohibit AI use in specific functions and for certain types of data, regulate which AI tools are provided to employees, and allow only tools from the approved list. The policy should be formally documented, and employees should receive proper training. After setting a list of hygiene measures and restrictions, companies should monitor AI usage, identify popular services, and use this information to plan future actions and refine their security measures.

“For successful AI implementation, companies should avoid the extremes of a total ban as well as a free-for-all. Instead, the most effective strategy is a tiered access model, where the level of AI use is calibrated to the data sensitivity of each department. Backed by comprehensive training on cybersecurity aspects of AI, this balanced approach fosters innovation and efficiency while rigorously upholding security standards,” says Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky.

To secure corporate AI use Kaspersky recommends organisations to:

  • Train employees on responsible AI usage. Courses on AI security from Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (http://apo-opa.co/4hsPKwI) can help with adding specialised training to companies’ educational programmes.
  • Provide IT specialists with relevant knowledge on exploitation techniques and practical defence strategies. The ‘Large Language Models Security’ training (http://apo-opa.co/4hj7gDn), part of the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Training portfolio, can enhance both the professional development and the overall cybersecurity of an organisation.
  • Ensure all employees have a cybersecurity solution installed on all their work and personal devices used to access business data. Kaspersky Next products protect against a range of threats including phishing or installing a fake AI tool, particularly given the growing trend of scammers embedding infostealers in deceptive AI applications.
  • Conduct regular surveys to monitor how frequently AI is being used and for which tasks. Using this information, assess both the benefits and risks of AI use to adjust company policy.
  • Use a specialised AI proxy that cleans queries on-the-fly by removing specific types of sensitive data (such as names or customer IDs), and uses role-based access control to block inappropriate use cases.
  • Create a full-fledged policy that addresses the spectrum of relevant risks. Kaspersky’s guidelines for securely implementing AI systems (http://apo-opa.co/4qBNUhh) can be of help.

*The survey was conducted by Toluna research agency at the request of Kaspersky in 2025. The study sample included 2800 online interviews with employees and business owners using computers for work in seven countries: Türkiye, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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Liquid C2 launches Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Experience Centre to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption

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Liquid C2

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, South Africa. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower partners and resellers to move beyond traditional distribution, providing the immersive, hands-on environment needed to architect and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored specifically to African market needs.

 

Through the Centre, partners will be onboarded to a structured journey that guides them in securing official Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training provided by both Liquid C2 and Google, the centre will also serve as a collaborative hub, allowing them to work alongside specialist engineers to architect bespoke solutions. Once finalised, these solutions will be brought to market through Liquid’s robust distribution network. This expansion not only opens new commercial avenues for partners but also acts as a catalyst for high-value job creation and the rapid maturation of Africa’s technology ecosystem.

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation. It also provides specialist expertise to prototype, test, and scale digital solutions in real-world environments. The centre is a testament to Liquid C2’s commitment to strengthening its role within the partner ecosystem in Africa, as it supports partners in overcoming infrastructure constraints, skills gaps, and complexity barriers that often slow digital transformation efforts across the continent.

As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, the Partner Experience Centre serves as an innovation hub where enterprises, startups, academic institutions, developers, and public-sector stakeholders can co-create locally-relevant solutions, fostering a sense of shared progress and community across Africa.

The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value

The facility also provides industry-specific platforms tailored to sectors including financial services, healthcare, and retail. These platforms demonstrate how AI-enabled solutions can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities across African markets.

“At Cassava Technologies, we believe the future of Africa’s digital transformation will be shaped through strong ecosystems that combine global innovation with local infrastructure and expertise,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President, Cassava Technologies and CEO, South Africa & Botswana. “The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value. By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are helping to democratise access to AI and cloud capabilities for enterprises across Africa.”

“This is a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “The Partner Experience Centre is a testament to our belief in the power of a strong partner ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI capabilities, including our Gemini models, with Liquid C2’s localised expertise, we are not just building a facility; we are building a hub for innovation that will empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.”

The collaboration will focus on three core pillars of transformation:

  • Accelerated Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) hub designed to dismantle historical market barriers. It provides localised training, hands-on technology interaction, and business support, leveraging Liquid’s capabilities to offer local currency billing and credit to manage financial complexity for resellers.
  • AI and Technology Innovation: A primary focus is empowering partners to build and deploy advanced AI solutions. The facility features a dedicated “Gemini Playspace & AI Solutions” to certify technical staff, alongside integrated “Solutions Pods” where partners can demonstrate complete technology stacks to win complex enterprise bids.
  • Economic Growth and Job Creation: The partnership is a direct investment in Africa’s tech workforce. By strategically broadening the partner network, the initiative will foster deep, localised expertise and act as a catalyst for new economic opportunities, creating a significant ripple effect of job creation for certified engineers and other tech professionals across the continent.

As a business of Cassava Technologies, Liquid C2 has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partner ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind Partner Experience Centre is yet another milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to partnerships that leverage its continental footprint to serve a broader base of organisations.

Aligned with this, Cassava continues to expand digital inclusion across Africa through its integrated portfolio of connectivity, cloud, cyber security, and digital solutions, ensuring that a broad spectrum of organisations, regardless of size or sector, can access and benefit from advanced technologies, thereby enabling more inclusive participation in Africa’s digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

 

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Africa’s fastest-growing hotel group CityBlue Hotels selects Inntelo AI to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-native operations across portfolio

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CityBlue Hotels

The partnership also includes the development of educational programmes to advance skills, innovation, and AI adoption across Africa’s hospitality industry

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1, 2026/APO Group/ –CityBlue Hotels, one of Africa’s fastest-growing hotel groups, has selected UK-based platform Inntelo AI to deploy AI-native concierge agents across its portfolio, marking a significant step in the group’s strategy to lead the next phase of hospitality innovation across the continent. The announcement will be unveiled at the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com) taking place in Nairobi on 31 March 2026.

The rollout represents one of the first scaled implementations of AI-native concierge agents in African hospitality, positioning CityBlue Hotels at the forefront of AI-driven transformation in the sector.

Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and expected to open soon in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia, with additional strategic tie-ups in South Africa and Mozambique, CityBlue Hotels’ partnership with Inntelo AI comes amid continued growth in Africa’s tourism sector, supported by rising intra-African travel and increasing global demand for new destinations.

As part of its broader digital strategy, CityBlue Hotels will deploy Inntelo AI’s platform to embed AI directly into hotel operations. The AI-native system coordinates guest interactions and service workflows in real time, enabling faster response times, improved task prioritisation, and consistent service delivery at scale, while allowing teams to focus on high-value, in-person guest engagement.

This partnership allows us to embed AI at the core of how we operate—supporting our teams in real time, reducing friction, and elevating the guest experience across every property

The partnership also includes the development of educational programmes to advance skills, innovation, and AI adoption across Africa’s hospitality industry.

Jameel Verjee, said:

“CityBlue has always been focused on where our markets are going. As we scale, AI-native operations become essential to delivering consistency, speed, and quality across multiple geographies.

“This partnership allows us to embed AI at the core of how we operate—supporting our teams in real time, reducing friction, and elevating the guest experience across every property. Just as importantly, we are shaping how AI is applied within an African context.”

Asif Alidina, added:

“CityBlue Hotels is exactly the kind of operator that defines where the industry is heading. Their focus on AI-native operations and scalable systems makes them a natural partner.

“Together, we are deploying technology that is purpose-built for hospitality—combining conversational and agentic AI to support teams, enhance guest experiences, and set a new standard for modern hotel operations in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

 

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Business

Wingu Africa Launches Wingu Cloud Exchange in Ethiopia

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Wingu Africa

Secure, compliant, and scalable cloud services built for East Africa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 31, 2026/APO Group/ –Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa), the pioneering specialist provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres in East Africa, has announced the launch of the Wingu Cloud Exchange (WCX), a new private cloud platform tailored specifically for East African businesses and now available in Ethiopia.

With WCX, Ethiopian organisations can keep their data securely within the country, ensuring compliance with local regulations and protecting sensitive information. For businesses, this enables faster access to services, improved operational efficiency, and reliable support through locally optimised infrastructure.

WCX is a game-changer for African businesses. We are delivering secure, compliant, and scalable cloud solutions built specifically for local needs

Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, COO and Co-founder of Wingu Africa, said, “WCX is a game-changer for African businesses. We are delivering secure, compliant, and scalable cloud solutions built specifically for local needs. With this platform, we are setting a new standard for digital infrastructure in the region and accelerating Ethiopia’s transformation into a digitally enabled economy.”

WCX brings together essential cloud services such as computing, storage, container management, and security, making advanced technology accessible to companies of all sizes. Enterprises can scale operations on demand, pay predictable prices in local currency, and avoid the uncertainties of foreign exchange or hidden fees. This gives businesses clarity in planning and the freedom to grow without constraints.

The platform offers a full range of services, including Wingu Compute, Wingu Kubernetes, Wingu Drive, and Wingu Security, enabling businesses to deploy, manage, and secure applications with confidence. The platform also integrates seamlessly with existing on-premises systems and complements global providers such as Azure and AWS, offering customers flexible hybrid options tailored to their operational requirements.

The launch of WCX highlights the company’s commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation and strengthening the region’s cloud infrastructure. By delivering locally relevant solutions, Wingu Africa supports sustainable growth and inclusive development, while addressing customer demand for simplicity, reliability, and predictability in cloud adoption.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wingu Africa.

 

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