Global technology giants are lining up to tap into a multibillion-dollar opportunity in the nascent Artificial Intelligence (AI) market.
They include Microsoft, IBM, Huawei, Nvidia and Google. The five multinationals top the list of more than 100 tech companies across the globe that will feature in the ‘AI Everything’ forum in this year’s Gitex Africa 2024, the continent’s premier tech and startup event.
Organisers of this event, scheduled to take place from May 29 to 31 in Marrakech, Morocco, said the conference offers these tech titans a pivotal opportunity to engage and forge fresh connections with pioneering African startups, business angels and thought leaders.
Software giant Microsoft continues to push up its AI investments on the continent by forging strategic partnerships and supporting key dialogue forums, including being Gitex Africa’s official AI Partner. Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard said in a statement that AI can unlock a continent “brimming with investment opportunity”.
“Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects, and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential,” she said.
Gitex Africa organisers say Africa’s AI opportunity has begun disrupting digital advancements in finance, agriculture, healthcare and mobility sectors. This has fuelled a booming AI market that is expected to grow 30 per cent annually over the next six years, reaching a value of $17 billion by 2030, according to Statista.
In Africa, Microsoft is collaborating with various entities to implement AI solutions to improve government services, expand businesses and foster innovation.
hey include government, businesses and startups in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa.
In Kenya, the tech giant is using AI to address climate and sustainability challenges in food and water security, while in Morocco, AI is improving water conservation efforts.
In South Africa, Microsoft is partnering with key sectors to optimise healthcare systems and manage urban infrastructure, reshaping public service delivery and addressing societal challenges.
Source : The Star on MNS
