Driving Africa’s future, one AI tool at a time

We’ve all seen the movies of robots taking over. But this GenAI tech is amplifying our capabilities. Think of it like this: instead of your team getting bogged down in endless reports, they’re free to focus on the big picture, on building those critical relationships, and on the innovation that truly drives our businesses forward. This is happening right now, and we can’t afford to be left behind.

“One key takeaway of GenAI’s success hinges on people, not simply technology. It’s about building trust, fostering a culture of experimentation, and empowering employees to champion the technology.”

A report from the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with PwC, reveals a future where GenAI is not a job killer but a job enhancer. Instead of being burdened with repetitive, time-consuming tasks, envision a workplace where artificial intelligence streamlines operations and allows your team to concentrate on strategic innovation, creative problem-solving, and cultivating vital human relationships.

The productivity jolt we desperately need

We know that maximising efficiency is key in our dynamic markets. Although productivity growth has faced challenges, GenAI presents a powerful opportunity. Think about customer service teams resolving issues swiftly, marketers creating targeted campaigns that resonate with our diverse audiences, and analysts uncovering critical market trends that drive strategic decisions. This is truly about unlocking the potential within our own businesses and contributing to the growth of our continent.

This is smarter work. GenAI can bridge skill gaps and make even novice employees perform like seasoned pros. Consider the scenario of a junior analyst, empowered by GenAI, rapidly identifying intricate market patterns, or a newly appointed sales professional generating highly customised client proposals with precision.

Early adopters are showing the way

This is grounded in tangible results. We’re seeing real-world examples from forward-thinking companies, much like the practical solutions we strive for at eHealth Africa, who are strategically integrating GenAI. These pioneers are adopting a measured approach, piloting projects, rigorously testing, and adapting based on real-time feedback. This focus on controlled experimentation ensures we understand the technology’s true value and mitigate potential risks before widespread implementation.

One key takeaway of GenAI’s success hinges on people, not simply technology. It’s about building trust, fostering a culture of experimentation, and empowering employees to champion the technology. The most promising use cases are the ones employees themselves identify and develop.

Read also: Investment in GenAI to rise by 60% in 3 years

Navigating the uncertain future

Naturally, we must acknowledge the inherent challenges. Trust is non-negotiable. Can we be assured that AI will operate without bias and reflect the diverse realities of our markets? Can we have confidence that our organisations will deploy this technology with consistent ethical standards? This provides a vital framework for exploring some potential scenarios, each shaped by the critical factors of trust and the ongoing evolution of GenAI. Understanding these scenarios is critical for us to navigate this transformative technology responsibly and ensure its benefits are shared equitably.

In a ‘Shifting Gears’ scenario, where trust in GenAI is strong and innovation moves swiftly, we will see a surge in productivity that fuels economic growth and creates new opportunities across our continent. Conversely, in a ‘Lost Opportunities’ scenario, where trust is low and technology stagnates, we risk falling behind, failing to leverage GenAI’s potential to address our pressing development challenges. We must choose; are we going to lead this technological revolution or watch it pass us by?

Enable and engage

If we want GenAI to actually work for us here in Africa, we need to do two things: get the groundwork right and bring our people along. Getting the groundwork right (Enable) means figuring out exactly why we’re using GenAI and where we’re going with it. We need the right tech, of course, the data, and the systems to make it happen. And we can’t ignore the rules, the ethics, staying ahead of evolving ethical considerations and legal frameworks.

But technology alone is insufficient. ‘Engage’ is about bringing our people along on this journey. We must cultivate a culture of experimentation, encouraging innovation and embracing new ways of working. We need to invest in skills development and redeployment to ensure our workforce is equipped for the AI-powered future. And we must champion ‘use case management,’ empowering our employees to identify and develop practical applications for GenAI that directly address our business needs and contribute to our continent’s growth.

The human element remains key

At the heart of it all is the human element. GenAI is a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how we use it. We must ensure that it augments human capabilities, rather than replacing them.

This is about creating a better work experience, one where employees are empowered to focus on meaningful work. Successful deployment of GenAI depends as much, or more, on people than on the technology itself.

The future of work is about machines and humans working together to achieve more than either could alone. It’s about leveraging GenAI to create a more productive, fulfilling, and equitable workplace for everyone. And it is happening now.

Ota Akhigbe is a Director at eHealth Africa and a seasoned leader with over 16 years of experience in driving impactful change across various sectors. Her insights focus on leveraging technology for improved productivity and human-centred solutions.