ATF 2024: Microsoft's Ravi Bhat on GenAI in Africa

Microsoft Africa's chief technology and solutions officer, Ravi Bhat, sat down with Connecting Africa Editor Paula Gilbert at Africa Tech Festival 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa to talk about the growth of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in Africa and the trends that are impacting enterprises.

"GenAI is one of the most revolutionary technologies we are seeing. I call it a general-purpose technology, like we had the printing press in the 14th century and we had electricity in the 19th century – what [those] did to the world is what generative AI is going to do to the world going forward," he said.

He spoke about the rise in AI adoption in businesses and the strategies that can be implemented to counter some of the challenges facing AI implementation, like improving access and digital skills.

"Africa is a mobile-first continent and I think we have an opportunity to jump the cloud-first scenario and go straight into an AI-first scenario," he added.

Bhat believes that AI will impact every sector and should be looked at as a business tool for all enterprises and not just for technology professionals.

"I think our ability to innovate depends on how much we can imagine and what business problems you want to solve," he said.

He also spoke about the jobs of the future for Africa's youth and how AI skills development programs can prepare young people to be successful in the digital age.

Related:Africa can leverage GenAI for economic growth - Microsoft

"My message to the youth and people in the workplace is that this is not hype, this is a reality, it's here. Skill yourself up, understand the language of AI and make sure that you are embracing it with two arms," he concluded.