Bank Windhoek’s Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session focused on the transformative potential of AI in Africa. Managing Director Baronice Hans stressed the importance of leveraging AI for sovereignty and growth. Keynote speaker Seydina Moussa Ndiaye advocated for the continent to produce AI tailored to local needs. The event concluded with a call for ethical AI practices and collaboration to navigate Africa’s future.
Bank Windhoek recently hosted its Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, centering on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. The event highlighted how AI is revolutionizing industries and the significant decisions the continent must face. Managing Director Baronice Hans articulated the imperative for Africa to strategically leverage AI for sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Hans emphasized the importance of shaping AI to benefit African communities, stating, “Africa stands at the crossroads of this revolution. The decisions we make today will echo for generations to come.” She underscored the necessity for AI to serve as a tool for empowerment rather than dependency. Furthermore, she announced that Bank Windhoek will create AI-driven solutions that reflect its core values of integrity and responsible citizenship.
Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, Programme Director at the University of Numerique in Senegal, served as the keynote speaker with a speech titled “Africa Stands at the Crossroads of the AI Revolution; We Must Shape Our Destiny by Crafting AI Strategies That Safeguard Our Sovereignty.” Ndiaye noted that the journey of AI began in 1948, advocating for Africa to shift from AI consumption to production with a focus on local data management.
He stated that crafting AI solutions tailored to the African context can effectively address the continent’s unique challenges. He remarked, “When AI is built with local data, it can solve African problems across various sectors.” Dr. Ndiaye also highlighted the necessity for ethical AI practices within the banking sector in order to enhance trust and competitiveness as the AI landscape evolves rapidly.
Ryan Geyser, Digital Data and Customer Transformation Executive Officer of Bank Windhoek, reiterated the critical need for action toward an inclusive and ethical AI future. He stated, “It is important for us as Africans to solve our problems. AI gives us an avenue to explore that possibility.” This sentiment underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts within Africa’s dynamic geopolitical environment.
The Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session of Bank Windhoek serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue on pertinent issues in the global economic realm. The bank is committed to being a catalyst for positive change and strives to build partnerships that add value to customers’ businesses.
In conclusion, the Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session organized by Bank Windhoek underscored the pivotal role of AI in shaping Africa’s future. Leaders emphasized the need for Africa to develop its unique AI solutions tailored to local contexts, while also advocating for ethical practices to ensure trust and competitiveness in the banking sector. The call to action was clear: collaborative efforts are essential for leveraging AI as a vehicle for empowerment and sustainable growth across the continent.
Original Source: economist.com.na
