Unlocking Africa's Digital Potential: Airtel Africa CEO Advocates for Tech-Driven Inclusivity
At the Mobile World Congress in Kigali, Airtel Africa’s Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, issued a compelling challenge to the telecommunications industry in Africa. He encouraged industry players to harness emerging technologies to connect, engage, and transact with all of Africa’s people.
Bridging the Digital Divide
In his address, Dr. Ogunsanya highlighted the immense potential of these technologies to bridge the digital divide, drive financial inclusion, and make affordable smart devices more accessible across the continent. He particularly emphasized the significance of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), a powerful tool for predicting customer behavior and gaining valuable insights into customer needs and preferences.
Intelligent connectivity, another core concept, envisions the combination of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate technological development and introduce innovative digital services.
Making Digital Access Easier
Dr. Ogunsanya stressed that the telecommunications industry occupies a unique position to simplify digital access for people across the continent. Achieving this involves substantial investments in establishing digital highways throughout Africa and fostering a vibrant mobile money ecosystem. Collaboration with equipment manufacturers and other key stakeholders is essential to ensure that smart devices are accessible to every African.
Tackling Unmet Needs
Dr. Ogunsanya pointed out that a significant proportion of Africa's young population remains unconnected. With only 59% smartphone penetration and just two out of ten Africans having a mobile money wallet, the potential for change is substantial. Emerging technologies can be harnessed in various sectors:
- AI-aided e-learning can design tailored curricula based on students' learning abilities.
- E-health can enhance patient monitoring and improve the efficiency of healthcare facilities.
- Agritech can employ AI and connectivity for crop disease detection.
- Financial inclusion can be achieved through a combination of the digital highway, unified payment systems, and intelligent mobile wallets.
- Smart cities can ensure safe communities and efficient public utilities.
- Development planning can predict population movements and support governments in urban and rural development.
- Smart metering can provide accurate measurement of usage, enhance sustainability, and improve the customer experience.
- Biometric technology can be used for authentication, privacy, access control, and non-repudiation.
Airtel Africa's Role
Airtel Africa is actively rolling out 5G networks across its 14 markets in Africa. The company aims to facilitate a digitally connected world and unlock a broad range of opportunities. Additionally, Airtel Africa has recently announced a collaboration with the Government of Rwanda to provide over 1 million people in the country with affordable high-speed, cutting-edge LTE smartphones.
As Africa's digital landscape evolves, Airtel Africa remains dedicated to advancing technological inclusivity and economic growth, further propelling the continent's journey into a digital future.
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