The NMG Monitor Thought Leaders Forum 2023 stood out prominently, boasting an impressive lineup of partners that included influential names such as NSSF Uganda, DFCU Group, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Breweries, and NCBA Uganda. This forum, dedicated to fostering insightful discussions and collaborations, was highlighted by the esteemed presence of Mr. Nyimpini Mabunda, a distinguished figure in the field.
In response to the evolving landscape of adopting AI technologies, National Water and Sewerage Corporation attended the Monitor Leaders Forum, showcasing their engagement in staying abreast of technological advancements like AI.
Mr. Nyimpini Mabunda infused the event with dynamic energy through an engaging and invigorating discussion centered around the theme: “The Impact and disruptions of Artificial intelligence in Africa; is Ai a friend or foe?”
Mr. Mabunda is the CEO for Southern Africa at General Electric. He has 25+ years background leading major consumer goods, food franchise, and telecoms businesses across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Nyimpini’s expertise in strategy, marketing, sales, digital transformation, data analytics, business turnaround, private equity, stakeholder management, and market development define him as a well-rounded leader who has an impressive track record of driving results and talent development.
AI is likely neither entirely friend nor entirely foe. It’s also likely not entirely neutral, because AI is only as representative as the data sets on which it is trained—data sets which can be biased.
But beyond the headlines that either peddle hype or fear, what does AI do? The advantages range from streamlining, saving time, eliminating biases, and automating repetitive tasks, just to name a few. The disadvantages are things like costly implementation, potential human job loss, and lack of emotion and creativity.
Mr. Mabunda highlighted the challenges facing the adoption of AI technologies in Africa which include skills acquisition, lack of structured data ecosystem, ethics, government policies, insufficient infrastructure and network connectivity, uncertainty, and user attitude.
As per the keynote speaker, AI is poised to enhance African societies by facilitating the detection of natural disasters. Through early detection and prompt alerts, AI-powered systems consistently observe diverse data sources, enabling the timely identification of irregularities. By scrutinizing seismic activity, weather fluctuations, and environmental conditions, AI can recognize initial indications of impending natural disasters.
Nyimpini emphasized how AI technologies, along with interconnected devices, enable the assimilation and analysis of vast amounts of medical data. This allows for remote patient monitoring and the delivery of highly precise and targeted treatments, contributing to the creation of a more productive workforce in Africa.
Using AI is an important first step to addressing Africa’s infrastructure gap, as it allows policymakers to have better information and make more informed decisions about what infrastructure to build where and when—and to ensure that current projects can serve Africa’s growing population for the next 50-100 years.
Mr. Mabunda emphasized that AI has a substantial role to play in enhancing electricity management, extending connectivity, and advancing sustainable energy solutions across African societies. Through these contributions, it can stimulate development and foster growth in the region.
The keynote speaker indicated that the implementation of the aforementioned measures—leveraging AI for various sectors like healthcare, electricity management, education, and connectivity—could collectively contribute to GDP growth in Africa.
The concluding statements for the Monitor Thought Leaders’ Forum 2023 were presented by a panel of eminent speakers who also served as sponsors for the event.
The NWSC was represented by Sheba Bamwine, Manager Public Relations Manager HQ, Swithin Busingye Manager Mukono branch, Eng Kusasira Catherine Manager Bulindo branch, Cecilia Bagaruka Principal Business Process Analyst and Akurut Morena an Engineer from the Sanitation Liaison unit.
