People Are Marrying Holograms and Making Friends With Chatbots. But Can AI Bring True Happiness?
According to one study, 75% of respondents believe chatbots are conscious.
artificial intelligence
AI Can Design Cities, but Can It Understand What Matters to People? 10 Ways to Keep Humans in Control
Urban design depends heavily on human judgment and field-based understanding.
Millions of Farmers in Africa’s Great Lakes Region Face Rising Temperatures. Study Predicts How Crop Disease and Pests Could Spread
Figuring out how climate change will cause plant disease and pests to spread across Africa’s Great Lakes farms is critical for future food supplies.
AI Policy Debacle Shows Dangers of Technology Used Without Public Oversight
SA’s draft policy contained sources fabricated by a large language model
Maternity Health Services in Nigeria Are Failing Women: 4 Steps to Better Care
There are four practical policy shifts that the Nigerian government could take to improve the use of maternity services.
Africa’s Militaries Have Always Relied on Imported Weapons: Why a Shift to Homegrown Defence Is Now Under Way
Across Africa, governments are finding ways to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and building capabilities they can control, maintain and adapt.
TransUnion’s New AI-Powered Film Puts Humanity at the Heart of Data
TransUnion, a global information and insights company, has unveiled a bold new chapter in its South Africa-focused Be the Reason Things Change campaign with the launch of a powerful AI-driven brand film. This emotionally resonant digital piece continues the campaign’s mission to make financial inclusion a lived reality for more South Africans by reimagining how technology can be used to tell human stories of inclusion, visibility and empowerment.
Developed with creative agency One Over One and production partner Run Jump Fly, the film fuses artificial intelligence with authentic storytelling to capture the experiences of everyday South Africans navigating the financial system. It serves as both a creative innovation and a powerful social statement – demonstrating how data, when used responsibly, can shine a light on those who are often unseen.
“The AI film is more than a creative milestone; it’s a deeply human story told through the lens of technology. Using AI-generated visuals, the film brings to life the emotional realities behind financial data – the hope of opportunity, the weight of exclusion, and the power of visibility,” said Amy Beck, CMO of TransUnion Africa. “Rooted in empathy and powered by innovation, the film embodies our belief that technology should serve people, not the other way around. It invites viewers to look past the numbers and be part of a movement changing the way we see each other”.
Turning Data into Impact
The AI film builds on the success of TransUnion’s Be the Reason Things Change movement, which has inspired South Africans to act – making the invisible visible and driving meaningful impact across the country.
In just one month, the campaign achieved:
- 10,838 panels peeled nationwide (this includes physical and digital billboard panels), each unlocking access to free credit education e-learning courses, valued at R2,000 each.
- Education fund prizes awarded to five individual winners, valued at R20,000 each, awarded directly to recognised educational institutions or nominated beneficiaries.
- Ten tech-for-learning prizes, worth R7,000 each, comprising of a laptop and 12 months of data, equipping recipients with the tools they need to thrive in a digital-first world.
These results go beyond metrics – they represent real lives changed through knowledge, opportunity and empowerment. One of the five recipients of the R20,000 education fund prize, Roggers Mamaila, shared how the campaign has made a lasting impact on his family’s future: “This contribution towards my family’s education means more than words can express. It’s a tangible step toward a better future – one my family will carry with pride for years to come. It’s proof that when people are seen, real change becomes possible.”
AI with a Purpose
In an age where artificial intelligence often feels distant or impersonal, TransUnion’s new film reframes the narrative – showing how innovation, when guided by empathy, can accelerate financial inclusion and create lasting change.
Unlike many AI-driven creative pieces that use artificial intelligence in fragments – generating snippets, visuals, or voiceovers – this film is a fully integrated, end-to-end AI production. From concept to execution, every aspect of the film was shaped using AI tools, making it a first-of-its kind on the African continent. What sets this film apart is not just its use of technology, but its authenticity and purpose. The film draws its narrative from real lives and lived experiences, transforming data into emotion, and statistics into stories that matter.
Every frame is a reflection of the campaign’s core belief: that visibility leads to change. This isn’t just an experiment in technology – it’s a movement in storytelling. The piece invites viewers to rethink what’s possible when technology and trust work together – to see every data point as a story, every statistic as a person, and every innovation as a chance to drive inclusion.
The campaign continues to challenge traditional notions of creditworthiness by advocating for alternative data and inclusive scoring models that better reflect the realities of underserved communities.
Watch the AI brand film and learn more at: https://www.transunion.co.za/bethereason
South Africa’s G20 Presidency: Diplomatic Victory, but a Weak Final Declaration
The G20 2025 declaration issued in Johannesburg will be just empty words unless the endorsements are turned into action.
Nigeria’s New Terror Threat: JNIM Is Spreading but It’s Not Too Late to Act
Given its strength and capabilities, the extremist group JNIM poses an existential threat to Nigeria.
How a Sudanese University Kept Learning Alive During War
For universities, investing in flexible systems is a matter of survival.
Nigeria’s Government Is Using Digital Technology to Repress Citizens. A Researcher Explains How
Local conflict and development needs drive the demand for digital authoritarianism technologies.
The Great Wildebeest Migration, Seen From Space: Satellites and AI Are Helping Count Africa’s Wildlife
Using satellites and AI, scientists have mapped wildebeest across the Serengeti-Mara, offering a new perspective on how this movement can be monitored from space.
Trade Is Shaping New Global Power Relations: What This Means for Africa
There has been a rebalancing of global trade dynamics with wide-ranging consequences for international business.
Universities Can Turn AI From a Threat to an Opportunity by Teaching Critical Thinking
Employers and societies demand graduates who can evaluate information and make sound judgments.
One in Three South Africans Have Never Heard of AI – What This Means for Policy
As South Africa moves towards a national AI strategy, the focus must be on people and not just technology.
How to Harness the Ocean for Prosperity: Funding African Innovations Can Unlock the Blue Economy
Millions of jobs could be created from sustainable economic ocean development.
How Companies Can Manage Dark Data Better
Stored data contributes to greenhouse gas emissions by needing power for servers and cooling systems.
Hype and Western Values Are Shaping AI Reporting in Africa: What Needs to Change
AI coverage in African media has shown that local voices and experts are missing.
African Countries Have an Opportunity to Reshape Global Power Relations
African countries must work collectively to seize opportunities in new digital and green economies where the continent’s critical minerals are so important.
Africa Data Centres Welcomes Gold Synergy’s Self-Cooling Rack Deployment at the CPT1 Facility in Cape Town
Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, is pleased to announce the successful deployment of a self-cooling rack by Gold Synergy at its CPT1 facility in Cape Town. This installation represents a significant advancement in the evolution of high-density computing in Africa and supports Africa Data Centres' commitment to sustainable, efficient infrastructure solutions.
The innovative self-cooling rack, commissioned in January 2025, is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-performance computing while minimising energy consumption. As the region experiences rising power and cooling challenges driven by artificial intelligence, big data, and enterprise workloads, self-contained cooling technologies like this offer a smart and scalable solution.
Gold Synergy brings a wealth of expertise in advanced cooling solutions. The deployment at CPT1 demonstrates the viability of self-cooling racks in African conditions, setting the stage for broader collaboration in supporting regional ESG objectives.
“Our collaboration with Gold Synergy introduces new efficiencies in high-density hosting,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “By integrating this cutting-edge cooling solution at CPT1, we are creating a model for how data centres in Africa can scale intelligently while remaining aligned with global sustainability targets. The success of this deployment positions both Africa Data Centres and Gold Synergy to expand CDU-based cooling technologies across the region, further supporting Africa's growing need for next-generation infrastructure.”
“Our self-cooling rack solution is a game-changing approach for high-density computing environments,” said Fortune Utubor, Executive at Gold Synergy. “This deployment reflects our shared commitment to energy efficiency and operational excellence.”
South Africa remains a strategic digital hub for the continent. With its reliable infrastructure, favourable location, and increasing demand for cloud and AI services, the country plays a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Africa. As enterprises move mission-critical applications closer to home, infrastructure capable of supporting such workloads efficiently becomes essential.
The deployment not only increases the CPT1 facility's hosting capacity without requiring major infrastructure modifications, but it also reinforces Africa Data Centres' position as the continent's leading carrier-neutral data centre provider. The new solution helps reduce reliance on traditional cooling systems and contributes to operational cost savings for both clients and facility operators.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
ADC boilerplate :
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com
South Africa reaffirms commitment to building an inclusive society
South Africa reaffirms commitment to building an inclusive society
South Africa has reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive society, where everyone can participate and contribute through the National Strategic Framework on Universal Design and Access, a guiding tool aimed at ensuring accessibility for all.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, made the commitment as the country joined the global community in observing Global Accessibility Awareness (GAAD) Day, on Thursday.
GAAD is an annual global observance held on the third Thursday of May, to raise awareness and promote the significance of digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Chikunga highlighted that, as digital transformation increases, particularly with the advancement of systems, like artificial intelligence (AI), it is becoming increasingly urgent to advocate for accessible web development, software design, policy-making, and everyday digital communication.
“This day will be used to emphasise and encourage everyone to engage with, think about, and learn about digital accessibility and inclusion for the 1 billion global community with disabilities and the 3.3 million persons with disabilities in South Africa,” Chikunga said.
While acknowledging AI technologies’ significant contribution to accessibility by providing features, including automatic captions, alternative text generation, and voice assistants, the Minister stressed the need for human oversight.
“These tools must be reviewed and validated by humans to prevent errors and ensure their relevance. Accessibility is a fundamental to Human Rights, promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities,” the Minister said.
She said the National Strategic Framework on Universal Design and Access is premised on the principle that universal design is not a compromise but a necessity.
The framework serves as a prescriptive guide for the promotion and eventual enforcement of universal design and access standards, using a disability inclusion perspective as its motivating force.
As part of its efforts, the department highlighted common digital accessibility barriers that can be addressed as quick wins, and these include:
• Poor Colour Contrast: Ensure text stands out against the background.
• Missing Text: All meaningful images and links should include descriptive alt text.
• Keyboard Navigation Gaps: All functionalities should be accessible via keyboard.
• Lack of Focus Indicators: Let users know where they are on the page. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:58
985 views
SA’s G20 Presidency to aid recovery of global economy
SA’s G20 Presidency to aid recovery of global economy
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the primary focus of the G20 platform is to increase multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy.
“Since President Ramaphosa took over the Presidency of the G20 in December 2024, a lot of public discourse has already gone into what this could potentially mean for South Africa, particularly in a post-COVID-19 era where developing economies are still on a path to recovery,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli explained that the G20 initially focused largely on broad macro-economic issues but has since expanded its agenda to inter-alia include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change and anti-corruption.
“The G20 was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and in 2009, when it became apparent that the necessary crisis coordination would only be possible at the highest political level,” Mhlauli said.
In her address at a G20 public lecture held at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) south campus in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, Mhlauli said that since then, the G20 leaders have met regularly, and the G20 has become the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
“The primary focus of the forum is to increase multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy, bring stability to the global financial system, promote long-term sustainable growth and strengthen global economic governance,” she said on Friday.
Mhlauli said South Africa will use the G20 Presidency to focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits its citizens.
“Through the G20 Presidency, we will foster inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and employment.
“This Presidency is about demonstrating that our country is open for business. South Africa is an attractive destination for business services, and has sophisticated digital infrastructure, including mobile networks and high-speed broadband.”
On the economic front, the G20 will provide a massive boost, especially in areas such as tourism and hospitality.
“The over 200 expected G20 related meetings have already commenced in our country presenting opportunities for the country’s tourism, manufacturing, trade and other investment growth.
“We are also intently focusing on youth employment, closing the gender gap, reducing inequality and protecting the environment.
“The G20 will unlock new possibilities in artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to provide unprecedented economic and social opportunities,” Mhlauli said.
Meanwhile, Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Acting Deputy Director-General, Sandile Nene, said South Africa’s hosting of the G20 will improve the economy.
“We are hoping that the G20 will make people invest in the country,” he said.
Kutlwano Mahosi, a first year Journalism student at TUT, told SAnews that G20 meetings will play a role in increasing the country’s economy as many people will be coming into the country.
“As people come to our country, they will be spending their money which will play a role in job creation,” she said.
Echoing same sentiments was fellow Journalism student, Andiswa Mchunu, who said hosting the G20 gives the country an opportunity to attract investors, thereby improving the economy.
“A better economy means more jobs and better life for South Africans,” Mchunu said.
South Africa assumed the role of Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, taking over from Brazil. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 14:41
1039 views
Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation Announce Winner
The Milken Institute (https://apo-opa.co/452va1L) and the Motsepe Foundation are proud to announce the winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, a $2 million innovation award designed to reward companies working to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. The winner was announced at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Verto (https://apo-opa.co/4d7WePf), based in the United Kingdom, won the $1 million Grand Prize for its business-to-business cross-border payments platform, which enables businesses in emerging markets to send and receive payments, eliminating intermediary fees, supporting 49 currencies, and settling transactions quickly.
FinTech is the third prize awarded as part of the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of competitive multimillion-dollar global competitions and awards designed to incentivize and reward bold, innovative solutions to address pressing economic and environmental challenges in Africa.
A Rigorous Award Cycle: From Application to Award
Launched in May 2024, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech attracted more than 3,000 entrepreneurs from 126 countries across six continents. A total of 400 teams applied, with just 10 being selected as semifinalists.
Each team underwent a comprehensive judging process that evaluated five key criteria: affordability and accessibility, ethical and responsible practices, scalability in other markets, the use of cutting-edge technology, and the potential to promote equitable access to financial services.
In December 2024, 10 semifinalists pitched their innovations to investors at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi. From this group, an expert panel of judges selected three finalists—Chumz, Oze, and Verto—to advance to the final stage of the innovation award at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference.
“Across the African continent, technology and innovation are disrupting traditional finance and banking approaches. Investment in this space is profitable and, more importantly, necessary for financial inclusion," said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. "My heartfelt congratulations to the winners and all the finalists for demonstrating feasible and impactful solutions that will drive economic activity and shared prosperity in the global South, while influencing the financial sector all over the world."
Since its launch in 2021, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has awarded over $6 million in funding to more than 50 innovators worldwide. Participating teams have raised nearly 10 times the Grand Prize in additional outside investments, reaching and impacting over 530,000 community members.
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program offers free, curated resources and online events not only to award winners but also to nearly 9,000 global entrepreneurs.
New Prize in AI and Manufacturing
The fourth Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize, which focuses on AI and manufacturing, launched at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference. The new $2 million award is designed to recognize established companies driving innovation in Africa's manufacturing sector. Focused on advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the prize rewards technological breakthroughs that create long-term economic resilience in the supply chain in Africa.
Registration is open until July 31, 2025.
With $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize, “AI and Manufacturing” seeks companies that accelerate technological advancements, create jobs, and improve access to essential goods and services for communities across Africa. The award represents an opportunity to support companies leading the next wave of transformative change in manufacturing.
“We have witnessed our prize programs bring forward some of the most visionary thinkers across sectors, from agriculture to financial technology. Now we're excited to see what bold entrepreneurs are doing for the manufacturing sector to harness the power of AI and other advanced technologies to improve the supply chain in Africa,” said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director of environmental and social innovation at the Milken Institute. “Prizes like this have the power to reveal new and better ways to operate in the digital age and shape how we can do better for people and the planet in the new future we are building.”
For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
Additional Video Link:
Opening Video: https://apo-opa.co/3GJgJpr
Finalist Video 1 - Chumz: https://apo-opa.co/436rMk6
Finalist Video 2 - Oze: https://apo-opa.co/4md7NsO
Finalist Video 3 - Verto: https://apo-opa.co/3Z9lVZT
Contact:
Paul Guequierre
Email: pguequierre@milkeninstitute.org
Phone: 202-249-6942
ABOUT THE MILKEN INSTITUTE:
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit www.MilkenInstitute.org.
ABOUT THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute toward eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Motsepe and Dr. Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
African Mining Week to Spotlight Cutting-Edge Mining Tech
The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Technology Forum. The forum will connect African mining projects with global technology providers and investors, showcasing how digital solutions are transforming resource extraction and redefining the mining value chain.
As African countries scale up mineral production to drive GDP growth, developers are increasingly adopting data analytics and digital tools to boost operational efficiency. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals, which applies artificial intelligence (AI) to mineral exploration, entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in April 2025 to tap into the country's estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources. The DRC – already the world's largest cobalt producer and a key copper supplier – could see its global mining profile rise significantly with KoBold's involvement. In Zambia, the company is advancing the $2 billion Mingomba project, one of the world's most promising untapped copper assets.
Similarly, in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing $1.1 million in IT infrastructure upgrades at the Blanket Mine as part of its $41.8 million capital budget. The upgrades include new mine planning software and a digital clocking system to improve labor efficiency, with a goal to increase gold output from 76,656 ounces in 2024 to up to 77,500 ounces in 2025.
In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is employing AI-driven exploration to expand beyond diamond mining, recently identifying new prospects for copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc and platinum group metals. “During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities – and so it turned out,” said John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds.
Meanwhile, South African firms such as Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are deploying digital tools to unlock greater operational value. A joint report by Accenture and the World Economic Forum projects that digitalization could unlock up to R213 billion in additional value for South Africa's mining sector by 2026. Technologies such as predictive maintenance, autonomous operations and real-time data monitoring are helping firms streamline processes, reduce downtime and improve safety outcomes.
The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will feature high-level panels examining how digitalization can optimize infrastructure, enhance safety, predict system failures and support sustainable resource management in a data-driven mining environment. The forum will also provide a platform for mining companies to showcase real-world case studies, exchange knowledge with tech innovators, and explore partnerships that drive long-term value creation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.