Bank Windhoek’s Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session discussed the transformative role of AI in Africa. Managing Director Baronice Hans emphasized using AI for sovereignty and sustainable growth. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye’s keynote highlighted the need for Africa to shift from AI consumers to producers, leveraging local data. Digital Officer Ryan Geyser urged for collaboration in developing ethical AI to solve local issues.
Bank Windhoek hosted its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, focusing on the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. The event discussed how AI is transforming various industries and the strategic decisions Africa faces moving forward. Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, Baronice Hans, emphasized the importance of strategically leveraging AI for sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth in the continent.
Hans remarked that Africa is at a pivotal point in the AI revolution, urging that the continent must shape its destiny by applying AI to meet local needs and ambitions. She stressed the importance of not only adopting AI but ensuring it benefits African economies and societies. “We must harness its potential not as an instrument of dependency but as a force for sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth,” she stated.
Plans to develop AI-driven solutions that align with Bank Windhoek’s core values of integrity, trust, and corporate responsibility were highlighted. Hans noted that maintaining data privacy and increasing access to financial services are essential in these advancements. She emphasized commitment to responsible development that serves the wider community.
Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, Programme Director at the University of Numerique in Senegal and UN AI Advisory Body member, delivered the keynote address. His talk, titled “Africa Stands at the Crossroads of the AI Revolution; We Must Shape Our Destiny by Crafting AI Strategies That Safeguard Our Sovereignty,” urged a shift from AI consumption to production. He stressed that Africa must harness local data to engineer AI tools that facilitate sustainable growth and inclusivity in the economy.
Dr. Ndiaye 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.” He highlighted that the banking sector must adopt ethical AI practices to maintain competitiveness and trustworthiness in an evolving technological landscape.
Ryan Geyser, Bank Windhoek’s Digital Data and Customer Transformation Executive Officer, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration in the evolving AI landscape. He noted, “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 reiterated that Africa has the capability to address its challenges through innovative AI solutions.
The Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session is an important platform for Bank Windhoek to connect with clients on meaningful topics relevant to the modern economic environment. The Bank aims to serve as “Connectors of Positive Change,” facilitating collaboration and adding value to customer businesses.
The Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session by Bank Windhoek highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping Africa’s future. Key leaders discussed the necessity of adopting AI to foster sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth. By leveraging local data and ethical practices, Africa can develop AI solutions tailored to its unique challenges, thereby improving economic inclusivity. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital for harnessing AI’s potential effectively, emphasizing the collective responsibility to shape a beneficial future.
Original Source: economist.com.na
