The Postdoc Working Group “Digital Transformations in Africa: A Critical Space for Intellectual and Material Capital” at the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence presents a (virtual) public lecture:

Leapfrogging the Divide: How AI and Digital Technologies Are Reshaping African Societies

by Jude Juma Omollo, Senior Engineering Manager at Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider

• Time: 22. JULY 2024, 09:30AM CET
  
• Location: online on Zoom
  

Join Zoom Meeting: https://uni-bayreuth.zoom.us/j/69822893443?pwd=LkZOJzLfOMLuAx5wXiq2LEEVXgzhkf.1

Meeting-ID: 698 2289 3443

Kenncode: 540017

• Person of contact: Dr. Biliian Otundo (billian.otundo@uni-bayreuth.de)
  

Short Bio:

Jude Juma Omollo is a Senior Engineering Manager at Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider. He ensures quality software delivery, champions innovation, and drives digital transformation. Omollo leads Hackathons and Innovation programs, supporting young African tech talent. He fosters collaboration through the Open Innovation Framework, working with startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academia to influence tech policies. With extensive experience in IT and software development, Omollo leverages technology for societal change. He holds degrees in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University and Medical Science from the University of Nairobi, and is advancing in IT at USIU-Africa. His research focuses on cloud adoption for African SMEs to bridge the digital divide.

Abstract:

Africa stands at a crossroads. While burdened by a historical digital divide, the continent possesses a youthful population and a unique opportunity to leapfrog legacy systems and embrace a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. This talk explores the transformative impact of AI and digital tools on African economies. Key discussion points include Africa's rapid mobile market growth, strategic infrastructure, and green energy investments to support a data-driven future. The rise of fintech, particularly mobile money platforms, enhances financial inclusion, notably in informal economies. Increasing internet usage is revolutionising African commerce through e-commerce. Additionally, young entrepreneurs use AI to advance artistic expression, with emerging AI tools for music, film, and visual art. Embracing digital solutions positions Africa as a potential innovation hub that aims to shape an inclusive and sustainable future. This talk contributes to building bridges between academia and industry. It calls researchers and innovators to converge and take action in Africa's exciting digital journey.