What's Happening?
Bayobab, the digital infrastructure arm of MTN, has partnered with US-based AI company Seekr Technologies to offer AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) across Africa. This collaboration aims to leverage the SeekrFlow
AIaaS platform to deploy and scale AI models efficiently, enhancing digital and connectivity services. The partnership will focus on digital governance, citizen engagement, and public safety in the public sector, while providing AI-driven insights for financial services, logistics, and energy in the enterprise space. Bayobab CEO Mazen Mroué emphasized the potential of AI to accelerate Africa's digital transformation, noting the opportunity to embed intelligent technologies across digital infrastructure and services.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Bayobab and Seekr is significant as it addresses the growing need for digital transformation in Africa, a continent with the world's fastest-growing and youngest population. AI has the potential to add $1.5 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, according to a study by SAP. This collaboration could help bridge the digital divide and prevent the creation of a digital underclass. By enhancing digital infrastructure, the initiative supports inclusive growth and innovation, which are crucial for economic development and competitiveness in the global market.
What's Next?
Bayobab's parent company, MTN Group, is in discussions with US and European companies to develop the infrastructure needed to power AI services. The operator plans to co-fund the required investment, aiming to increase Africa's share of global AI data center capacity. Cassava Technologies has announced plans to build five 'AI factories' across Africa, further supporting the continent's digital transformation. These developments indicate a concerted effort to scale AI initiatives and foster partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society.
Beyond the Headlines
The ethical and social implications of AI deployment in Africa are profound. Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and preventing the exacerbation of existing inequalities are critical challenges. The partnership highlights the importance of policy, data governance, and skills development to ensure that AI benefits all segments of society. As AI becomes more integrated into public and private sectors, stakeholders must address concerns related to privacy, data security, and the potential for bias in AI systems.
