Huawei has called for Africa to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) on its own terms, with experts at the seventh ICT Editors Xchange in Johannesburg emphasizing the need for AI systems built around the continent’s realities, languages and data. Speaking under the theme “Africa’s Intelligence, Africa’s Terms,” Huawei South Africa Deputy CEO Charles Cheng said Africa’s digital future should be driven by cloud computing, AI, connectivity, secure networks and local talent, stressing that African nations must retain ownership of the data, platforms and innovations that define their digital transformation.
The event also highlighted the importance of African-generated data and indigenous languages in AI development. Digital futurist Nicky Verd urged businesses to embrace adaptability in the AI era, while AuraaAfrica founder and CEO Gift Lubele warned that Africa risks being excluded from the AI revolution if its data is not represented in global models. University of Pretoria researcher Dr. Olaperi Okuboyejo added that AI has the potential to transform education but must support African languages, noting that current mainstream AI tools perform poorly in many indigenous languages.
Huawei Cloud South Africa Director of Cloud Solutions Sales Calvin Huang said robust cloud infrastructure and computing power are essential to achieving Africa’s AI ambitions. He noted that while challenges such as deployment costs and data sovereignty remain, Huawei is addressing them through open AI systems, local infrastructure and industry partnerships. Huang added that Huawei’s AI infrastructure is now operational in its Johannesburg region, positioning the company to support the continent’s growing AI ecosystem.
Source : cajnewsafrica.com
