Bank Windhoek held its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session to discuss the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa’s future. Key speakers highlighted the necessity of leveraging AI for sovereignty and sustainable growth. Emphasis was placed on ethical AI practices and the importance of local data in developing AI solutions tailored to the African context, underscoring collective efforts needed to address the continent’s unique challenges.
Recently, Bank Windhoek hosted its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, focusing on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. The discussions centered on how AI is reshaping various industries and influencing critical decisions on the continent. Baronice Hans, the managing director of Bank Windhoek, emphasized the importance of strategically leveraging AI for Africa’s sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth.
During her address, Ms. Hans stated, “Africa stands at the crossroads of this revolution. The decisions we make today will echo for generations to come. We must not simply adopt AI but shape, define, and ensure that it serves our people, economies, and aspirations.” She stressed that Africa should harness AI’s potential as a force for sovereignty and innovation, rather than a tool of dependency.
Ms. Hans also committed Bank Windhoek to developing AI-driven solutions aligned with its core values, including data privacy and financial services accessibility. She remarked, “We will ensure that, in the pursuit of progress, we never lose sight of the fundamental principles that define us: integrity, trust, and being a responsible corporate citizen.”
The keynote address was delivered by Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, Programme Director at the University of Numerique in Senegal and a member of the UN Secretary General High-Level Advisory Body on AI. Titled “Africa Stands at the Crossroads of the AI Revolution; We Must Shape Our Destiny by Crafting AI Strategies That Safeguard Our Sovereignty,” his speech urged Africa to transition from being merely consumers of AI technology to producers.
Mr. Ndiaye highlighted the significance of data as foundational to creating relatable AI tools. He stated, “When AI is built with local data and is uniquely tailored to the African context, including culture and way of thinking, AI can solve African problems across various sectors.” Furthermore, he asserted the necessity for the banking sector to adopt ethical AI practices to maintain trust and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving environment.
Ryan Geyser, Bank Windhoek’s Digital Data and Customer Transformation Executive Officer, echoed the urgency for AI in shaping the continent’s future. He stated, “We must continue to collaborate, learn, and take decisive action to shape our AI-driven future that is inclusive, ethical, and beneficial to all.” Geyser concluded that it is crucial for Africans to leverage AI to address their unique challenges, especially in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
The Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session serves as a platform for Bank Windhoek to connect with its customers and discuss relevant topics in today’s economy. The Bank aims to be a positive change catalyst by collaborating with its stakeholders to enhance and add value to their businesses.
In conclusion, Bank Windhoek’s Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session underscored the vital role of artificial intelligence in shaping Africa’s future. Speeches by esteemed leaders including Baronice Hans and Seydina Moussa Ndiaye emphasized the need for Africa to strategically leverage AI for its sustainable growth and sovereignty. The commitment to ethical AI practices and the understanding that local data is essential further highlights the path towards an inclusive digital economy. Only through collaboration can Africa harness AI’s potential to address its unique challenges effectively.
Original Source: economist.com.na
