JSE-listed Vodacom Group has launched a new AI partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and cloud computing platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at building South Africa's AI talent pipeline and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Speaking at the launch of the Vodacom AI Lab at Vodacom World, in Johannesburg, on July 24, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said Africa had an opportunity not only to participate in the latest global AI developments, but to help shape it by developing its own talent, innovation and solutions.
He added that democratising AI meant ensuring the technology was accessible to people using non-smartphones, while also enabling small businesses to use AI to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Joosub further noted that the launch of the AI Lab represented another milestone in Vodacom's ambition to become Africa's leading “AI-first” organisation, while creating stronger links between universities and industry to develop future digital talent.
"We are living through one of the most significant technology shifts of our generation. AI is transforming industries, reshaping economies and changing the way we live and work.
