Artificial intelligence pain points

When it comes to investing even in artificial intelligence (AI), the more your brand can negotiate, lower fees and minimize human errors, the more likely success can be realised.

No wonder when we are accounting for major technological innovations in African context, it’s still the Whiteman’s Burden as they are often credited for it.

On the contrary, it shouldn’t be more than human intelligence. However, emotions and feelings have always been overlooked in African context.

Professor William Easterly was quoted talking about Whitemen efforts to aid African which caused so much I’ll and so little good. Hence the suggestion on homegrown African economic model. Why not? It’s time to revisit our ways rather than just using colonial era excuses so as to leapfrog Africa beyond AI Algorithms and other pain points.

Africa has grown tired of the outdated enforced business economic models from the West. However, change is always constant. Today, the way we educate is changing; going beyond earning a Diploma Certificate. Luckily, we are living in a time where digital gadgets are getting smarter, everything is connected, and AI algorithms are coming into full swing.

As most tech brands are trying to bring to market their first AI products and services, they look admiringly at different possibilities. We have already moved from the analogue to the digital world. There are plenty of online Artificial Intelligence platforms that allow inquisitive people to consider ways to simplify and standardize digitization and automation.

What happens when the ordered food is on the table while you are still looking on the menu? It all depends. However, if a groom is doing that on his wedding day; the impression it gives to bride can be problematic.

Fortunately, lust does not apply when it comes to other things like what is on the table now for consumption; I mean digital gadgets and other AI emerging technologies.

We can still look at the menu while using the current gadget in our hands without running into trouble with anyone. It’s not a taboo.

As we know, in this digital economy era, maintaining altitude on cruise control won’t bring us a breakthrough.

This type of economy is here for good; and AI together with automation is changing the landscape. Is Africa ready for this? It’s time for African brands to start pushing the limits. What are the steps needed to prepare for the AI game in African context? Let the game begin as the AI-hype; the killer robot is about to enslave Africans again if measures are not taken.

Firstly, we have to find out what AI means in African business context. The starting point is a helicopter view of the technological developments and identifies pain points coming up from all over.

Automation, software (apps) and other AI techniques could address the fear or even the inertia which too often paralyzes our inaction, yet just as often comparison to doing something and then get it wrong.

The art of doing nothing using AI in African context is definitely the most deadly killer App. In Africa we have so many disruptive opportunities opening up. Just look at the Fintech sector. Lots of platforms are coming up like Mobile Money and MaxMalipo.

Secondly, there is a need to define problems in African context and prioritise them accordingly. The different AI options options available now can help innovative brands understand their risk appetites even before doing anything.

Mr Swai is content director for MobiAd Africa Tanzania Ltd.