Telecom company targets AI to spur investment, innovation

DAR ES SALAAM: VODACOM Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all levels from grassroots communities to national platforms, recognizing its transformative potential for the country’s future.

The telco’s Managing Director Mr Philip Besiimire said on Wednesday at the Future Ready Summit (FRS) that the country has the potential to play a central role in shaping the AI landscape.

“The internet infrastructure, education and policy regulation are key components of advancing the usage or adoption of AI technology in our communities today. By investing in education, creating the right infrastructure, and fostering supportive policies, the country can emerge as a leader in AI innovation,” Mr Besiimire said.

The company has demonstrated its commitment to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence by empowering the next generation of innovators through targeted initiatives.

Through programmes like the Vodacom Digital Accelerator (VDA), the company supports young entrepreneurs in developing tech-driven solutions, while its ‘Code Like a Girl’ initiative equips teenage girls with essential coding and digital skills.

“The technology being human-centered is key and it’s through initiatives like these that we can truly empower the youth of this country. I believe such efforts should be championed and scaled to ensure no one is left behind in this technological transformation,” he said.

ALSO READ: Airtel opens more shops to bring services closer to customers

The five-day initiative organised by Vodacom Tanzania in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is part of the celebration for the Innovation Week Tanzania.

The Google X’s Former Chief Business Officer and AI Visionary Mr Mo Gawdat said as the technology evolves, numerous solutions become even more accurate because it continues to learn.

“If AI can do everything better, maybe in a few years we will be able to work in ten minutes a week, this certainly will not be the case,” he said.

Equally, the UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Mr John Rutere said AI will be a gamechanger across all sectors, noting that some of the key sectors that are expected to be early adopters to transform the Tanzanian economy include healthcare, hospitality, government services and financial services.

He further encouraged other stakeholders to leverage emerging technologies not only for economic growth but also to improve quality of life and support start-ups in scaling and innovating.