At the Mobile World Congress held in Kigali, Airtel Africa’s Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, has issued a call to action to the telecommunications industry in Africa. He urges the industry to harness the power of emerging technologies to connect, engage, and uplift every individual on the continent. With a vision for a digitally inclusive Africa, Ogunsanya highlighted the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies in bridging the digital divide, fostering financial inclusion, and making smart devices accessible to all.
The African telecommunications landscape stands at a critical juncture, with immense potential for transformation. Ogunsanya emphasized the transformative impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in predicting customer behavior and understanding their needs. He also underscored the promise of intelligent connectivity, a synergy between 5G, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, which can pave the way for innovative digital services.
“The telecom industry is uniquely positioned to usher Africa into the digital era. By investing in digital infrastructure and forging collaborations, we can empower every African with the tools they need to participate in the global digital economy,” stated Dr. Ogunsanya.
Applications of Emerging Technologies
Airtel Africa envisions a future where emerging technologies serve as catalysts for progress. The applications are diverse and far-reaching:
- Education: AI-aided e-learning platforms can tailor educational content based on individual learning abilities, revolutionizing the education sector and making learning more accessible.
- Healthcare: From remote patient monitoring to enhancing the efficiency of healthcare facilities, emerging technologies can significantly improve healthcare services, especially in remote areas.
- Agriculture: Agritech solutions employing AI and connectivity can revolutionize farming practices, enabling early detection of crop diseases and ensuring food security.
- Financial Inclusion: The integration of digital highways, unified payment systems, and intelligent mobile wallets can democratize access to financial services, empowering millions with economic opportunities.
- Smart Cities: Emerging technologies facilitate the creation of smart cities, ensuring safe communities, efficient public utilities, and sustainable urban development.
- Biometric Technology: Biometric authentication enhances security, ensuring privacy, access control, and non-repudiation, thereby building trust in digital transactions.
Airtel Africa is leading the charge towards a digitally connected Africa. The company is rolling out 5G networks across its 14 markets, with the aim of creating a seamless digital experience. Additionally, their collaboration with the Government of Rwanda exemplifies their commitment to making high-speed, cutting-edge LTE smartphones accessible to over 1 million Rwandans, bridging the technology gap in the country.
Read: Airtel Launches Rwanda’s Most Affordable 4G Smartphone