Policy & implementation of AI adoption to grow SSA economies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a transformative force in various sectors across the globe, and Sub-Saharan Africa is no exception. The rise of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa has brought forth significant development in critical areas such as health, education, finance, and more. CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni engaged John Hathaway, Regional Vice President of Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at BeyondTrust, to gain insights into the policy and implementation of AI adoption to grow Sub-Saharan African economies. John Hathaway highlighted the diverse impact that AI adoption will have on numerous sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from healthcare to finance to education. This surge in AI adoption also presents a new set of challenges, notably in the realms of fraud and cybercrime. As digital services in the region embrace AI tools, the risk of cyber threats escalates. Hathaway emphasized the importance of integrating multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, and robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard against cyber risks and ensure secure digital transactions. Moreover, Hathaway underscored the role of AI-driven digital transformation in fostering economic growth, innovation, and inclusiveness. By empowering individuals, including minorities and those with limited backgrounds, to participate safely in the digital economy, AI can drive broader participation and innovation within the region. Discussing strategies to mitigate cybersecurity threats, Hathaway emphasized the significance of education, training, and awareness campaigns to equip individuals with the skills to protect themselves in an increasingly complex digital landscape. He also stressed the need for governments to develop comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks and regulations that govern both public and private sector organizations. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices to enhance cybersecurity resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addressing identity and access security challenges, Hathaway advised organizations to prioritize gaining visibility over their digital infrastructure to detect cyber threats proactively. Managing privileged identities, controlling access to administrative passwords, and implementing robust identity management strategies are vital in safeguarding organizational data and assets. Hathaway also highlighted the importance of managing hybrid work environments, where employees work both in-office and remotely, and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain to enhance cybersecurity measures. Looking ahead, Hathaway emphasized the need for Sub-Saharan African countries to collaborate with international cybersecurity solution providers to establish secure identity frameworks. By forming strategic alliances and joining global cybersecurity alliances, countries can access advanced technologies, expertise, and best practices to uphold international standards and ensure interoperability. As the conversation concluded, Hathaway reiterated the critical nature of protecting identities in the face of rising cyber threats and the imperative for Sub-Saharan African countries to align with international standards and foster collaborative initiatives to bolster cybersecurity capabilities and drive economic growth through AI adoption.