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
Top technology trends that will continue to dominate 2025
By Dr Mmaki Jantjies Let’s take a look at the key technology areas that will continue to dominate the tech sector in 2025. Anticipating these shifts is not only crucial for the companies seeking to remain competitive, but for the policymakers, educators and individuals aiming to adapt to the evolving demands of the future. Immersive technologies While multinational technology companies such as Apple, Meta and Microsoft continue to invest in R&D exploring various spatial technologies, we will continue to see an improvement in technologies seeking to combine the physical and virtual worlds. For example, Meta has extended its partnership with Ray-Ban on fashionable smart glasses aiming to provide better ergonomic experience offerings and still offer users great style. The glasses are generally comfortable, allowing users to make calls, send texts, live-stream and listen to music using Meta AI alongside many other capabilities and features. In 2025, the rising use of immersive technologies will be stimulated by the reduction in cost of their hardware and increased comfort of devices. Coupled with improving network speeds underlying the experience, more regular device use points toward more universal access to fast speeds from network infrastructure such as fiber and 5G which is required to power up and ensure improved AR and VR experiences without any network lag. Possible applications of these technologies vary from their use as training technologies – especially in areas which are considered dangerous such as mines, oil rigs etc. – to applications in healthcare where, for instance, they can be used to support the rehabilitation process. They can also be used to overlay the user experience in entertainment and sports. Artificial intelligence Over the past two years, AI has received increasing attention owing to the accelerated growth of investment in the field. Meanwhile, increased computing power and data availability have enabled algorithmic breakthroughs, allowing the field to attract more investment and talent. With the ability to create new human-like content spanning from images, text and code, generative AI promises to experience higher adoption as various organisations continue to deploy it in a variety of use cases. Next year will see a surge of organisations pushing for enhanced AI adoption, but this time companies will adopt a sharper focus on extracting value for business in 2025. The key integration of generative AI will be to accelerate innovation and provide bespoke experiences, examples of which are customer service teams making increased use of far more intelligent AI-powered chatbots. These bots are available in multiple languages, including those indigenous to many countries. They seek to improve personalised experiences of customers, being able to handle routine inquiries in order to allow human call center agents to solve much more complex problems. In transport and logistics, for example, warehouse optimisation is being powered by AI-powered robots that navigate warehouses with precision, autonomously picking and packing orders, optimising storage space and dramatically accelerating fulfillment processes. Parallel to these innovations, 2025 will see the continuing sharpening of focus on AI governance and related platforms. Here, countries, organisations and society will need to get to grips with the demand for responsible use of both AI technology and data across multiple economic sectors. As we observed locally, South Africa also developed a national AI Policy Framework with private sector organisations developing similar strategies and policies to guide its use in business. While generative AI technology continues to strengthen, AI systems will go beyond doing single tasks to resemble “a team of specialists” working together. Categorised as “agentic AI”, this new type of AI will essentially give bots the ability to act independently. Think of it like this: instead of just following your commands, agentic AI can figure things out on its own like a detective solving a case. Agentic AI can analyse information, make decisions and take action, all in the name of achieving a specific goal. We could take another real-world example here, imagine a company that uses AI to manage its warehouse. With agentic AI the system would not only track inventory but also predict future demand for products, optimising storage space based on real-time needs, ordering new stock automatically when supplies run low and even controlling how robots move and organise goods within the warehouse. This application is just one example of how agentic AI can make business more efficient and intelligent across a range of industries. Cybersecurity With digital transformation remaining a key focus within the 4th industrial revolution, cybersecurity will remain an important investment area in ensuring the security of technology systems and related data. There are various forms of cybersecurity threats which have continued to impact organisations within South Africa, both within the public and private sector. TransUnion is an example of one of the large organisations in South Africa which was impacted by a ransomware cyberattack in 2022 where the attackers demanded $15-million threatening to expose the customer data which it had access to. There were many similar such experiences in 2023 and 2024. The cyber threat landscape has been further complicated by the rise of AI-powered attacks, cloud vulnerabilities, third-party exposures and insider threats. All of these potentially criminal interventions demand increased vigilance and proactive security measures, and as enterprises integrate AI into various processes so does the growth of AI-powered attacks. Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to enhance their attacks, making them more difficult to detect and defend against. AI models themselves may be vulnerable to attacks like data poisoning, model stealing and adversarial examples. Economic sectors such as finance and telcos are predicted to strengthen investments significantly in this area as they seek to counter the risk of cyber threats identified globally. Furthermore, we will see a rise of investment in technologies that address disinformation and deepfakes. Quantum computing It was in the early 1980s when the tech world first glimpsed a few of the theoretical concepts representing the breakthrough of quantum computing. Now potential applications of quantum computing are endless and span diverse fields. In drug discovery, quantum computing can simulate molecular interactions, speeding up the development of new treatments.