Reflections on market readiness and adoption of emerging technologies: Inaugural People + Data Africa 2024 conference!

After a long haitus from speaking engagements, I was honored to be invited to the Inaugural People + Data Africa 2024 conference hosted in Gaborone.

I must say, the effort to prepare for this panel discussion on 'Emerging Data Technology', a topic of great significance, has been genuinely invigorating and worth every moment.

This panel discussion was intended to Explore AI, ML, and robotics in Africa, and needless to say, the discussion was fruitful in highlighting the vast opportunities available to innovators/ developers of radical technologies and start-ups and by big business and corporates who have innovation in their sights.

However, across the three regions, it is clear that challenges persist and that we have urgent problems that need immediate attention if we are going to realize the true potential of emergent technologies for our communities and businesses. Following my engagement with the moderator, co-panelists, and the audience at large, the theme of readiness and willingness of businesses and governments to take on emergent technologies persisted.

What is the state of adoption of A.I and similar tech in Botswana? :

I am of the opinion that corporates and the governments are doing well in their efforts to understand digital and A.I solutions. For example, there are a few financial services providers that we have been worked with designing and building A.I.. solutions for varying problems they face. However, what needs deeper investigation when discussing the extent of market readiness and adoption for these technologies is the degree or extent of adoption.

In this discussion I brought attention to the fact that adoption takes place in different forms. For example, C-suite executives may approve the project and the budget for A.I solutions for different units across the company. On another level, Heads of Departments to set aside time ensure that the service providers design a well fitting solutions for their departments needs and operations. Nonetheless, it does happen that even when well-fitting solutions are built and handed over by the service providers to customers, these solutions aren't always implemented that is integrated into everyday processes or operations and made apart of their systems.

This does not take away from the readiness and willingness for A.I and its range of possibilities, however, it does require companies to adequately define their meaning of adoption. This definition should encompass several key aspects:

• Integration Depth:  Will the AI solution be a standalone tool, or will it be seamlessly woven into existing workflows and systems? Defining the desired level of integration ensures everyone understands how the solution will become part of the daily routine.

• User Adoption:  Beyond technical integration, successful adoption hinges on user buy-in.  The definition should consider training plans, change management strategies, and user feedback loops to ensure the solution is embraced and utilized effectively.

• Success Metrics:  How will success be measured?  Clearly defined metrics, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, or improved customer satisfaction, will guide the development and deployment process and demonstrate the solution's value to all stakeholders.

• Long-Term Vision:  AI solutions are not static. The definition of adoption should acknowledge the need for ongoing maintenance, updates, and potential future expansions to ensure the solution remains relevant and impactful.

By establishing a clear and multi-faceted definition of adoption, companies can move beyond simply acquiring AI to embedding it within their operational DNA. This holistic approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and unlocks the true transformative potential of AI for businesses in Botswana.

In conclusion, while Botswana demonstrates a positive outlook on AI and similar technologies, with both corporations and government showing interest in exploring its potential, a deeper look reveals a gap between initial adoption and actual integration. My experience highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of "adoption." Companies must not only approve projects but also actively address potential user resistance and ensure smooth integration of these solutions into daily operations. This two-pronged approach, with clear definitions of adoption and proactive mitigation strategies, will unlock the true potential of AI for Botswana's businesses and communities.▪️

-NM