Africa's AI Potential Hinges on Infrastructure, Capital, Skills
Cisco's Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Francine Katsoudas, believes that Africa's potential to capture the economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) hinges on several key factors. During recent engagements in New York, she emphasized the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, capital, skills, and people.
Katsoudas pointed out that the African Development Bank estimates that inclusive development and deployment of AI could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP for Africa by 2035. The bank's report identifies data, compute, skills, trust, and capital as essential enablers for realizing AI potential.
Côte d'Ivoire was cited as an example of efforts to combine digital infrastructure with local capabilities. Cisco is working with Cybastion to strengthen secure digital infrastructure and create more pathways into the digital economy in the region.