From DEI to AI: Nedbank’s Deb Fuller on why humanity is still key for success
From General Electric, building a bank, and now leading the HR portfolio at one of Africa’s leading banks, Deb Fuller’s story is one of how human-centred leadership trumps everything. In this episode of the Business Unusual Podcast, Deb joins Ralf Fletcher to discuss why DEI is evolving, the reason why culture is even more important than strategy or even execution. “If you’re not solving for execution, your strategy is merely a pipe dream. But from my perspective, I truly believe that culture is actually what eats execution and strategy for breakfast.” This is a must-hear for anyone ready to: Listen if you’re ready to challenge assumptions and accelerate leadership that matters.
Bold leadership needed to close Africa’s AI gap
By Dumisani Moyo Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and societies around the world. In Africa, it holds immense potential to tackle deep-rooted challenges in healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and unemployment. Yet while the AI technology gap dominates the conversation, the more urgent issue is the need for bold leadership. AI is often positioned as the next frontier of human progress. In Africa, that promise is constrained by significant barriers including inadequate infrastructure, limited investment, poor internet access, and fragile data ecosystems. According to the United Nations, while 85% of Africa’s population has access to 3G, only 38% use the internet, well below the global average of 68%. This highlights a disconnect between infrastructure availability and meaningful digital inclusion. Despite pervasive challenges, AI innovation is gaining momentum across the continent. In Zimbabwe, Dr. CADx uses AI to enhance radiology diagnostics. In Kenya, M-Shule delivers personalised learning via SMS, expanding access to education in areas with limited internet. In South Africa, Aerobotics uses AI to help farmers boost crop yields. Founded in Cape Town, the company now operates in 18 countries, with its largest market in the United States. In Nigeria, LifeBank uses AI and data analytics to connect hospitals with critical supplies such as blood and vaccines. Yet we play a limited role in the global AI value chain. According to the World Economic Forum, between 2022 and 2023, the continent attracted only $641-million in AI-related venture capital, a mere 0.3% of the projected $184-billion in global AI investments. Initiatives like IndabaX are working to change that narrative. Since 2018, this community-led network has brought together AI stakeholders across Africa to strengthen skills in machine learning and AI. By 2024, it had expanded to 47 countries, and plays a vital role in building local expertise and advancing continent-wide engagement. Partnerships pave the way Harnessing AI’s full potential requires more than technical expertise. It demands foresight, coordination, and a clear strategy shaped around Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges. While some governments have launched national AI strategies, AI is still often seen as a futuristic concept in many boardrooms. Universities face the challenge of updating curricula fast enough, and policymakers often struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change. Encouragingly, initiatives are gaining momentum across the continent. Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), in partnership with the World Economic Forum, places AI at its core. Ghana’s National AI Strategy targets growth across healthcare, education, ethics, and capacity-building. South Africa’s Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) has prioritised AI alongside other transformative technologies. Kenya’s Blockchain and AI Task Force is already looking at how emerging tech can drive development, financial inclusion, and job creation. But closing the gap will take bold action and a broad-based effort that engages Africa’s youth across every stage of the AI value chain, from classrooms to boardrooms. With 60% of the population under 25, Africa is the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. That youth represents a powerful force for innovation provided they are equipped with the technical skills, leadership, governance, and strategic insight to solve local problems at scale. Leadership critical to reap AI benefits Without leaders who can envision the possibilities, commit resources, and invest intentionally, even the most advanced technology will fail to deliver impact. AI is more than a tool. It has the potential to influence policy, shape education reform, transform business models, and redefine systems across healthcare, finance, and governance. If Africa does not play an active role in designing, applying, and regulating AI, others will define the future on its behalf. This poses significant risks, including systems built on foreign datasets that misrepresent African realities or fail to address local needs. Closing the leadership gap requires building a new generation of decision-makers who not only understand technology, but also grasp its wider social, ethical, and economic dimensions. Africa needs leaders who can think strategically about AI and create environments where inclusive innovation can thrive. Unlocking Africa’s AI potential To thrive in the AI era, Africa must co-create, co-innovate, and lead. Bridging both the technology and leadership gaps demands a coordinated and sustained effort across four key areas: Africa stands at a defining moment. Shaping a truly African AI future will require a shared vision, bold leadership, and deep collaboration across government, business, academia, and civil society. As the African proverb says, “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” Dumisani Moyo is the Marketing Director at SAP Africa
Youth Empowerment: South Africa’s most critical investment in the age of AI
By Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution accelerates, empowering South Africa’s youth means preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that this transformation brings. On this journey, we face a critical juncture. We’ve increased access to higher education and created innovative work experience programmes like the Youth Employment Service (YES), but we’re still grappling with a world of rapid technological change that threatens to leave many people behind. As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated, the world will bifurcate between those countries that possess technological capabilities and those that lag behind. Hence vaccine-producing rich countries kept six vaccines per citizen before they released vaccines to Africa (which barely could get six per 100 people). Moreover, technological capabilities are enabling a “cross-species transmission” in an economic sense – for example, companies once more famous for making cellphones are now producing state-of-the-art SUVs. There is no question that as new technology advances, many old industries will be massively disrupted with concomitant employment implications. Accordingly, it is imperative that we prepare young people for that technology-driven future. The Harvard Business Review investigated the challenges and opportunities presented by AI’s impact on the labour market. Tools like ChatGPT and image-generating AI have significantly impacted automation-prone jobs like writing, software development, and coding. This indicates that workers in automation-prone jobs are more likely to face challenges in this shifting job market compared to manual-intensive jobs. To keep up and remain hireable, they’ll need a diverse skillset and a comprehensive understanding of AI tools. It’s clear that basic digital skills are foundational to mastering AI and successfully navigating the workplace of the future. The African Development Bank Group projects that by 2025, at least 263 million young Africans will lack economic opportunities, partly due to a lack of digital skills. According to The African Union’s AI for Sustainable Youth Development in Africa Report, “If harnessed effectively, emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence could create new jobs and business opportunities in agriculture, health, trade, and education, among other sectors.” Countries across Africa are waking up to these possibilities and starting to invest in AI upskilling to overcome challenges in these sectors and beyond. Our mandate is clear. We must harness the enormous potential of AI by addressing South Africa’s digital divide and upskilling our youth. This begins with providing essential digital infrastructure at a basic education level and building on these skills in universities and in the workplace to align with global standards. Although universities are producing highly skilled STEM graduates, the current state of youth unemployment in South Africa shows that formal education is still falling short when it comes to preparing youth for this digital shift. While South Africa has made strides in increasing access to tertiary education—with universities like UJ growing their student population by 50% in just four years—we still face a critical challenge as students struggle to complete their qualifications. A 60% dropout rate in first year is a clear indication that we need to rethink our approach to youth empowerment through education. The reality is that a qualification rapidly loses value without practical experience. Our survey of 150 employers at YES shows that two years of practical work experience is valued almost equally to a three-year tertiary qualification highlighting the importance of programmes like YES in preparing youth for the demands of the workplace beyond tertiary education. This is not to diminish the importance of formal education—universities play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills and providing deep contextual understanding. However, the traditional model of “get a degree and you’re set for life” is obsolete, particularly in the age of AI. Practical work experience that applies theoretical learning in real-world contexts is crucial for bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Organisations have recognised the importance of continuous upskilling through courses and training for employees, particularly when it comes to key digital skills and integrating AI into organisational structures. We’ve already seen this happening with companies like Microsoft, Amazon and other tech giants offering AI-accredited programmes that are more agile and market-relevant than traditional government-accredited courses. If businesses followed these examples and gave South Africa’s youth the opportunity to access invaluable skills and work experience, we could build a tech savvy generation, ready to take on the digital revolution. At YES, we’re making this happen by providing young South Africans with practical work experience and access to crucial tech skills that enhance their employability. Our voluntary programme has enabled 1,834 corporates to fund over 170,000 youth in quality first jobs, with an average of 3,000 youth joining monthly. We’re seeing incredible results. Part of this success is our incorporation of AI training into our modules, which has been proven to grow market-relevant skills and foster innovation. By partnering with YES, businesses can provide youth with access to essential digital skills development and AI upskilling. If corporate South Africa matched the youth employment commitments of current YES clients, we could create approximately 150,000 youth jobs annually at current GDP growth rates. More broadly, this means building a more resilient economy and a sustainable future for South Africa as our economy becomes more dependent on harnessing AI for growth. AI holds enormous potential to transform how we work and down barriers to economic development. Harnessing this potential means investing in our youth by providing access to the skills needed to master this emerging technology. Through collaboration between key stakeholders, from government to the private sector, we can help the next generation thrive in the age of AI and put South Africa on the map as a leader in the global digital landscape.
Join the digital revolution at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025!
By Topco Marketing When: 3-4 June 2025 Where: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town Are you ready to lead the digital evolution and turn tech into power ? The countdown is on for Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, and this is your chance to be part of the continent’s most transformative tech event. Whether you’re a startup founder, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this conference is designed to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and position Africa as a global tech powerhouse. Why attend Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025? The future of technology in Africa starts here. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it: 1. Network like never before Africa’s tech ecosystem thrives on collaboration, and Sentech Africa Tech Week is your ultimate networking playground. With over 500 attendees —from CEOs and policymakers to developers and innovators—you’ll have unparalleled access to: Don’t miss the Fast-Track Networking Sessions, where you can turn conversations into connections in minutes. Plus, there are plenty of informal networking breaks to recharge, refresh, and build meaningful relationships. 2. Upskill your team with cutting-edge insights Looking to train your employees and keep them ahead of the curve? Sentech Africa Tech Week offers a jam-packed agenda of panel discussions, fireside chats, and tech demos featuring thought leaders from Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, and more. Topics include: Africa Tech Week Award Entries are closing soon. Enter now. 3. Position your brand as a thought leader Want to elevate your company’s profile? Sentech Africa Tech Week offers unique opportunities to showcase your expertise and establish your brand as a leader in the tech space. Whether you’re speaking on a panel, hosting a fireside chat, or presenting a tech demo, this is your platform to: From sustainable streaming solutions to smart factory innovations, the conference covers every corner of the tech landscape. Don’t just attend—be a part of the conversation. What’s happening at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025? Day 1: 3 June 2025 – Lead the Digital Evolution Day 2: 4 June 2025 – Turning Tech into Power Special offers you can’t miss Ready to shape Africa’s digital future? Sentech Africa Tech Week isn’t just another conference, it’s a movement. A movement to connect, innovate, and transform Africa’s tech landscape. Whether you’re pitching your startup, networking with industry leaders, or gaining insights to upskill your team, this is the place to be. Secure your spot today and join us as we lead the digital evolution and turn tech into power. Together, let’s build a smarter, more connected Africa. Register now. For sponsorship or speaking opportunities, contact us at marketing@topco.co.za
AI and the law
By Jessie Taylor The AI advantage: Combating financial fraud in South Africa’s digital economy In an era where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, South Africa is witnessing both remarkable advancements in financial services and a surge in increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. From online banking to real-time payments and digital insurance claims, financial transactions have never been more convenient – or more vulnerable. Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical line of defence, revolutionising the fight against fraud by enabling real-time detection, smarter prevention strategies, and better protection for consumers. Why AI makes a difference Financial fraud in South Africa continues to pose a serious threat to both consumers and businesses. From card cloning and phishing to identity theft and fraudulent insurance claims, the methods employed by fraudsters are diverse and constantly evolving. According to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA), South African life insurers and investment companies detected 13,074 cases of fraud and dishonesty in 2023, marking a 46% increase from the 8,931 cases reported in 2022. The industry successfully prevented losses amounting to R1.5-billion in 2023, up from R1.1- billion in 2022. However, actual losses due to fraud rose significantly to R175.9-million in 2023, compared to R77.2-million the previous year. Traditional fraud prevention methods, often reliant on manual review and static rule-based systems, are no longer sufficient to address the scale and sophistication of modern fraud. However, AI systems can process and analyse vast volumes of transaction data in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns that humans or traditional systems might miss. These patterns may include unusual spending behaviours, large purchases made from unfamiliar locations, or transactions occurring at odd hours. By detecting these anomalies early, banks and financial institutions can intervene before damage is done. One of the standout features of AI is its scalability. Unlike human fraud teams that struggle to keep pace with growing transaction volumes, AI systems can scale seamlessly to handle millions of transactions without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency. This is particularly crucial as South Africa’s banking sector continues to expand and embrace digital banking solutions. As payment methods evolve – through real-time clearing and card-not-present transactions – fraud risks evolve alongside them. AI strengthens payment systems by offering dynamic fraud detection capabilities. It doesn’t merely flag transactions – it evaluates context. Through predictive analytics, AI can discern between legitimate anomalies and actual fraud, reducing the number of false positives that frustrate customers. With machine learning, these systems continuously adapt, learning from new threats and updating models accordingly. The ethical concerns Despite its many benefits, the implementation of AI in fraud detection is not without challenges. One of the primary issues is the “black box” nature of AI systems—the difficulty in explaining how decisions are made. This lack of transparency can become problematic, especially under scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the South African Reserve Bank. These regulators demand clear reasoning for actions taken, particularly when customer accounts are frozen or claims denied. Moreover, compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is paramount. AI systems must be designed to handle personal data responsibly, ensuring data privacy and minimising the risk of bias. If an AI system is trained on skewed data, it could disproportionately target certain demographics, resulting in unfair treatment and legal liabilities. As banks and insurers adopt AI to prevent fraud, fraudsters are simultaneously leveraging AI to perpetrate it. A 2023 PwC report warned that criminals are expected to adopt AI tools on a much broader scale, intensifying the arms race between fraud detection and fraud execution. This raises the stakes for South African institutions. Continuous innovation and cross-sector collaboration are vital to stay ahead. Financial institutions must invest in agile AI systems that evolve in tandem with new threats, and they must also share insights and intelligence with peers and regulators to form a united front against cybercrime. AI alone cannot eliminate fraud, but it can be a formidable part of a broader fraud prevention strategy. As AI tools mature, their ability to improve compliance reporting, automate suspicious activity monitoring, and provide early fraud warnings will only strengthen. AI is ushering in a new era of fraud prevention in South Africa. From detecting anomalies in milliseconds to analysing claim documents for manipulation, AI allows financial institutions to act swiftly and decisively. While data quality, transparency, and regulation challenges remain, the benefits are too significant to ignore. The financial sector stands at a crossroads: evolve with the times or risk falling behind. With responsible deployment, ethical safeguards, and continuous improvement, AI can secure the digital financial ecosystem for both businesses and the public. In the fight against fraud, it’s not just a matter of using AI—it’s a matter of using it wisely. Sources: CMS Law | Standard Bank | ASISA
AI-powered corporate governance: Technology’s trailblazing role
“As a qualified lawyer and the Head of Business Development at a technology company specialising in AI-powered legal tech solutions, I have witnessed first-hand how technology has influenced this aspect of business. “
AI and African languages: The need to bridge the digital divide
By Shumirai Chimombe “Language is the most important thing for the survival of Africans – and many other people in the world – but for Africans it has assumed a special significance. Africa is the second biggest land mass on Earth. It also has, population-wise, about 1.4 billion people. It is estimated that by 2050 almost half of the world’s population may be African. So what happens in Africa is bound to have a tremendous effect on the prospects of us all as a global community.” This was part of a presentation delivered by Professor Kwesi Kwaa Prah, a sociology professor and the founder and director of the Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society, during a meeting hosted by the University of Pretoria in July last year. In his talk, titled ‘African Languages in an AI World’, Prof Prah indicated that Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised life in terms of using technology to acquire, accumulate and use knowledge. This is why it has become vital for African languages to be integrated into the development of AI technology to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage. “Now what Africa faces in my estimation should be more work done on our languages and the preservation of our languages because that is the heart – the center of everything. Culture is the determinant of human beings and we have to make sure that African languages are written first. Without that we can’t make any progress.” He referred to the ‘AI and the Future of Work in Africa’ whitepaper written by a cross-organisational team including Microsoft Research, Microsoft Philanthropies, University of Pretoria, NEPAD, Lelapa AI, and Oxford University. The whitepaper noted that while African languages are increasingly represented in AI large language models (LLMs) they lag behind English performance substantially, and currently only a small number are well-represented. African culture and context are also notably underrepresented in generative AI training data, leading to poor performance in African workplaces. This is why it is essential to use representative African data to build models which work in African contexts. In addition to creating equitable data ecosystems, it is also important to incorporate indigenous knowledge in culturally and socially sensitive ways. Africa.com echoed this sentiment, indicating that the inclusion of African languages in AI systems is a critical challenge that threatens to widen the digital divide, particularly in regions where local languages play a central role in daily communication. Developing language models that understand and generate text in languages like Swahili, Zulu, and Hausa is crucial for ensuring that Africa is not left behind in this technological era. Responding to the call for AI inclusion According to Africa.com African countries are now embarking on projects to integrate AI into local languages and develop LLMs that are tailored specifically to their diverse local languages. By doing this, African tech innovators are laying the foundation for a more inclusive digital future. In South Africa for example, the company Lelapa AI has developed their VulaVula project, an AI-driven language processing tool that facilitates communication across several local languages, including Zulu, Sesotho, and Afrikaans. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with local AI startups, is developing and training an LLM specifically to cater for the country’s very diverse linguistic community. This initiative is supported by a large network of volunteers fluent in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Ibibio, and Pidgin, who are contributing to the data collection process. Researchers from across the continent are collaborating on an open source AI project to develop machine translation for African languages. Masakhane – meaning “We Build Together” in isiZulu is a grassroots organisation whose mission is to strengthen and drive natural language processing (NLP) research in African languages, for Africans, by Africans. According to Masakhane, “despite the fact that 2000 of the world’s languages are African, African languages are barely represented in technology. The tragic past of colonialism has been devastating for African languages in terms of their support, preservation and integration. This has resulted in a technological space that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history.” This cross-cutting collaboration to level the digital and AI playing field consists of about 1000 participants from 30 African countries with diverse educations and occupations, as well as about three countries outside Africa. Overcoming the barriers Although progress is being made in making AI more accessible, there are still some specific challenges in developing models in African languages. One of the most significant issues is related to the scarcity of data. Many African languages are considered low-resource, meaning that there is a limited amount of digitised text available to train AI models effectively. Also, in many African communities, oral traditions are the primary means of communication and exchanging information.This raises ethical questions about consent and ownership when collecting data. By addressing these challenges around data scarcity and ethical concerns, African innovators are not only preserving their linguistic heritage but also paving the way for a more equitable digital landscape, concludes Africa.com in its article, ‘AI’s role in preserving and promoting African languages.’ Sources: University of Pretoria | Artificial Intelligence News | AI and the Future of Work in Africa | Africa.com | Masakhane
Trust and fact-checking capabilities on social media platforms in South Africa
By Dr Mmaki Jantjies Has a social media post ever left you wondering whether the information it conveyed was accurate and reliable? The role of social media platforms has grown significantly across business and society. These platforms are now integral to daily life in South Africa, influencing aspects such as communication, information sharing and public discourse. Businesses and public organisations now rely on social media platforms having invested in marketing, customer engagement and information sharing for their service users and customers. Considering the substantial role and influence of such platforms amongst users, should we be concerned about the new fact checking mechanism introduced by the global social media platforms? According to DataReportal’s Digital 2024: South Africa report, in January 2024 South Africa had 26 million social media users, representing about 42.8 percent of the total population (DataReportal, 2024). Here, the DataReportal survey highlighted the following key reasons for social media use among internet users aged 16-64: finding information (83.6%); researching how to do things (79.9%); staying in touch with friends and family (72.5%); finding new ideas or inspiration (69%); and keeping up-to-date with news and events (66.2%) (DataReportal, 2024). A significant number of young people thus leverage social media platforms both as trusted platforms for key information and as a news platform. These include many USA based social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok (its parent company headquartered in Beijing), remain dominant among South African users, offering a space for connection, content sharing and news access. Recent changes in fact-checking by social media platforms Some platforms have recently reduced their emphasis on fact-checking. An example of this is Twitter, coming under new ownership as X, this company has significantly reduced personnel of its fact-checking teams (Nieman Lab, 2022). The reasons cited for these changes often include cost reduction, concerns about bias and a shift towards prioritising ‘free speech’, even if at times this may include misinformation (Freedom House, 2023). In January 2025, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta Platforms Inc., announced the discontinuation of its third-party fact-checking programme in the United States. Replacing it with a “Community Notes” system (Meta, 2025), Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited concerns over political bias in traditional fact-checking, emphasising free expression instead. Fact-checking plays a crucial role in maintaining information integrity by preventing misinformation, promoting informed decision-making and maintaining public trust. Establishing trust is even more critical in the age of AI-generated content as AI can blur the lines between authentic and fabricated information, making discernment challenging. Social media platforms should thus implement robust measures to ensure content accuracy and reliability. Are community notes a substitute for fact-checking? As social media platforms continue to grow in importance in communities, trust in these platforms becomes paramount which explains why fact-checking processes have been built into these organisations. In replacing fact-checking teams, social media platforms will then rely on community notes as part of the fact-checking process. Community notes are a crowdsourced fact-checking system on social media platforms. Users can flag potentially misleading posts, and other users can add notes providing context, corrections, or links to fact-checks. These notes are then voted on by other users, and the most helpful notes are displayed alongside the original post. While community notes aim to combat misinformation by leveraging collective knowledge, they also present challenges, including potential manipulation, slow response times, and reliance on the expertise of non-professionals. Despite these challenges, community notes represent an evolving approach to information moderation on social media. X has for a while introduced “Community Notes” which allow users to add context to potentially misleading tweets (X Help Center, 2025). However, although such notes can provide diverse perspectives, they still raise concerns about information manipulation and the spread of misinformation. Moreover, it is still debatable whether or not this crowdsourced approach is as effective as professional fact-checking. As Meta’s “Community Notes” system represents a shift towards a community-driven approach, this switch in approach raises similar concerns about accuracy and potential misinformation spread by relying on user input rather than professional fact-checkers (Meta, 2025). Impact of misinformation on South Africa Misinformation has had a tangible impact in various sectors in South Africa. An example is the Listeriosis outbreak in 2017 where there was a lack of clarity on the source of the outbreak. The impact of misinformation spreading had an impact on various suppliers of processed meat with sales being impacted because of this. Another example is in cases that require complex domain knowledge, such as scientific or legal matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, false information about vaccines spread rapidly, contributing to vaccine hesitancy. This misinformation, often fuelled by social media, led many individuals to doubt the safety and efficacy of vaccines, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. As a result, businesses and governments faced challenges in encouraging vaccination, which in turn affected public health efforts and impacted the broader economy. (Africa Check, 2021). Political disinformation campaigns have also exacerbated social divisions while undermining democratic processes (Media Monitoring Africa, 2022). The challenge of misinformation is thus not unique to South Africa with several examples of its global impact available in the public domain. Safeguarding against misinformation As social media platforms evolve their approach to content moderation and fact-checking, users should assess and utilise the resources available critically. Maintaining vigilance regarding information helps to uphold the quality of public discourse while supporting the democratic process. Equally organisations engaging users on these platforms should continue to invest in the education and protection of their users on platforms they rely on while also being aware of the implications of such information changes, not only on users but also on relying on third party platforms as trusted platforms for critical user engagement. Here are several reputable fact-checking platforms available for public use: Dr Mmaki Jantjies is an innovative leader who is passionate about harnessing the power of technology and R&D to drive change. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in Information Systems. Sources: Africa Check (2022). The changing face
AI: An ally, not an enemy, of strategic thinking
By Tumi Rabanye, Managing Partner – Strategy at Leagas Delaney South Africa I do not consider myself an early adopter of technology, nor do I consider myself a late adopter. I’d say I’m one of those that need just enough of the right kind of nudges to get me to trial and thereafter, I quite enjoy the playing and exploration stages of learning a new application. One such opportunity occurred this week, when as a business unit, we commenced our exploration of the AI-based tools that will enhance our delivery of strategy internally, for our clients and new business prospects. This experience inspired this article. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in advertising has sparked heated debates about its role in creative strategy, campaign execution, and the future of human-driven marketing. Some critics argue that AI threatens strategic thinking, replacing human ingenuity with automation. An alternative perspective is that AI is not the enemy of strategy but an invaluable ally – it enhances productivity, allows room for critical thinking, and does not substitute the emotional intelligence (EQ) and social intelligence that a human offers. AI empowers strategists to focus on what truly matters: data driven insights matched with irreplaceable human connection, to inspire creativity. A catalyst for productivity Like most industries, advertising moves fast, it is an industry that demands efficiency with output and that takes time. But the introduction of AI potentially relieves us of the time-consuming tasks, freeing up critical thinking time better used for quality of insight and incisive ideas. Very importantly it liberates and gives the strategist back time for the critical task of playing and exploration, that enables them to build an effective creative bridge. The heavy lifting done by AI-driven analytics platforms helps process consumer data, identifying trends and invites the strategist to use their own social intelligence to correlate or corroborate the information. From the prompts delivered by the AI tools I’ve used, I had the benefit of stretching my thinking sooner and further than I had been able to before. The rapid data processing not only saved me time but also enabled a richer conversation with my clients, empowering us to make more informed decisions. I’m learning the benefit of prompts and using predictive analytics, powered by machine learning, to better explore consumer behaviours and user journeys. With AI-driven automation tools, take-over of repetitive, low-value tasks enabled me to redirect my efforts toward higher-order thinking, the very reason someone like me would have fallen in love with strategy to begin with. Liberating critical thinking Rather than stifling strategic thought, AI amplifies it. By handling tedious and complex computational work, AI grants strategists more mental bandwidth to tackle big-picture challenges. Instead of being bogged down by manual research from multiple sources, data analysis and then synergising information, strategists are able to dedicate their energy to interpreting data in meaningful ways. Strategic thinking involves creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability — skills that AI cannot replicate. AI provides the insights, but relies on the human desire to engage, to persistently ask and refine the questions, synthesise information, and make the final decisions. The intersection of AI-generated insights and human intuition creates a dynamic synergy where strategy is both data-informed and emotionally resonant. For instance, AI can suggest optimised ad placements, but human strategists must determine how those placements align with brand storytelling. AI can analyse past performance and recommend content formats, but only human creatives can craft the narratives that inspire and connect with audiences. The key lies in collaboration. AI supplies the tools, while humans provide the vision. Unlocking emotional intelligence and social awareness Advertising is not just about reaching an audience; it is about resonating with them on an emotional level. AI, while highly advanced, misses nuances such as cultural context, social and ethical consideration, and human emotions. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and social intelligence is the preserve of the human behind the machine. AI cannot fully grasp the depth of human emotions that drive decision-making. Human strategists help craft messaging that is empathetic, inclusive, and aligned with societal values. Emotional intelligence is essential to tap into human experiences in ways that AI alone cannot replicate. A brand’s reputation requires a deep understanding of human emotions and societal expectations, skills that remain uniquely human and core to the role of a strategist. Similarly, social intelligence plays a vital role in identifying emerging cultural shifts and trends. Understanding subcultures, generational attitudes, and regional differences requires lived experiences, empathy, and an awareness that AI cannot authentically replicate. The future of AI and human collaboration In my humble assessment, success as a strategist demands that we leverage AI as a powerful assistant in order to accelerate critical thinking, judgment, and strategic oversight. The core of advertising, brand storytelling and connection, will remain firmly in human hearts and hands. The top three observations I am making from my own learning journey are that to maximise the benefits of AI, strategists should: Where to from here? AI is not the adversary to the discipline or role of strategy; it is an ally that accelerates productivity. AI frees us to focus on what truly matters: crafting meaningful, impactful work that connects with people on a human level. Essentially, AI cannot replace humans, but it has the potential to replace humans who do not embrace it and learn how to use it proactively. Tumi Rabanye is Chief Strategy Officer at Leagas Delaney South Africa with experience in various sectors including broadcast, telecoms and financial services. Leagas Delaney is an independent communications agency with offices in London, Hamburg, Milan, Shanghai, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Bridging the gap: How AI is transforming financial planning in South Africa
By Jessie Taylor The financial landscape in South Africa is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into financial planning. From personalised recommendations to risk management, AI technologies are reshaping how individuals, businesses, and public institutions manage their finances. With applications ranging from generative AI-powered advisory to predictive analytics, the rise of AI signals a new era of efficiency, inclusivity, and innovation. Personalisation at scale One of AI’s most significant contributions to financial planning is the ability to provide personalised advice at scale. Traditional financial planning often relied on one-size-fits-all solutions, but AI-powered tools now offer tailored insights based on an individual’s unique financial profile. To craft customised plans, these tools analyse vast datasets, including spending habits, investment history, and income patterns. For instance, generative AI can simulate various financial scenarios, offering suggestions for optimising returns while managing risks. This technology not only improves customer experiences but also deepens engagement by addressing specific financial goals. By understanding each user’s unique financial circumstances, AI helps ensure their plans are both realistic and achievable. Financial decisions can be overwhelming, especially when considering complex investments or retirement planning. AI simplifies this process by providing actionable insights and recommendations. Algorithms can predict market trends, assess risk levels, and even suggest optimal times to make financial moves. Platforms like robo-advisors employ these capabilities to make investment management accessible and affordable for the average person. Predictive analytics have become a cornerstone of financial planning. They allow individuals and organisations to anticipate future financial challenges and opportunities, making long-term planning more effective. AI fosters confidence in financial decision-making by empowering users with accurate and timely data. AI has the potential to democratise financial planning, making services accessible to previously underserved communities. In South Africa, where economic disparities remain a challenge, AI tools are bridging the gap. Mobile apps and digital platforms powered by AI provide affordable and user-friendly financial advice, enabling more people to take control of their financial futures. These tools are particularly beneficial in improving financial literacy. By delivering insights in simple, relatable terms, AI-powered platforms empower users to make informed decisions, regardless of their financial expertise. This accessibility helps level the playing field, fostering economic inclusion across the country. A new frontier of financial planning AI has revolutionised the customer experience in financial services. Chatbots and virtual assistants powered by natural language processing are commonplace, providing instant support and guidance. These tools enhance efficiency, allowing users to resolve queries or access information without long wait times. Generative AI also enables dynamic interactions that feel more personalised and human-like. This technology reshapes how financial institutions engage with their clients, improving satisfaction and loyalty. For public sector leaders, adopting such tools can enhance service delivery and build stronger relationships with stakeholders. Retirement planning is another area where AI is making a significant impact. Traditional methods of retirement saving often fail to account for dynamic factors such as changing market conditions, inflation, and life expectancy. AI-driven platforms address these gaps by continuously analysing data and adjusting recommendations. In addition, AI also plays a critical role in identifying and mitigating risks. In financial planning, risk management is paramount, whether it involves securing assets or ensuring compliance with regulations. AI systems excel at analysing vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and flag potential risks or fraudulent activities in real time. AI is transforming financial planning in South Africa, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, personalisation, and inclusion. Emerging technologies such as machine learning, block chain integration, and quantum computing promise to further enhance the capabilities of financial tools. As these innovations become mainstream, the financial planning process will become even more seamless, efficient, and personalised. By leveraging AI-powered tools, individuals and institutions alike can optimise their financial strategies, mitigate risks, and achieve long-term goals. However, realising the full potential of AI requires a commitment to ethical practices, regulatory oversight, and ongoing innovation. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on financial planning will undoubtedly grow, shaping a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem for all South Africans. Sources: Tech Financials | FA News | Wonga | Forvis Mazars