Mahanyele-Dabengwa on bridging the AI skills gap in South Africa

Africa's participation in the global economy is undergoing a transformation due to the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, a topic that was at the forefront of discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. To explore the cutting-edge technology advancements sweeping the continent, CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters sat down with Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the CEO of Naspers South Africa. Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted the critical role of collaboration in the intelligent age, emphasizing the importance of optimizing platforms for small and medium-sized enterprises through AI. With 12,000 SMEs on their Takealot platform in South Africa employing 33,000 individuals, investing in AI is crucial to enhancing products and services on their platforms. Despite progress, Mahanyele-Dabengwa acknowledged that Africa lags behind markets like China and India in AI sophistication and skills. To bridge this gap, Naspers has been investing in training initiatives, allocating $16 million since FY22 to upskill over 5,000 young professionals in cybersecurity and AI roles. The company is dedicated to nurturing talent locally, aiming to reduce the reliance on importing digital skills. Mahanyele-Dabengwa stressed the importance of education in STEM subjects to equip future professionals with the necessary expertise in AI. Naspers South Africa is actively recruiting and training individuals, ensuring a workforce prepared for the evolving digital landscape. Contrary to concerns about AI displacing jobs, Mahanyele-Dabengwa emphasized the need for continuous upskilling to remain relevant and competitive in the industry. As a long-term player in the global south, Naspers has navigated geopolitical challenges across various markets. The company's commitment to engagement and investment has positioned its businesses as leaders in their respective fields, such as iFood in Latin America and Swiggy in India. While challenges persist, Naspers maintains a strategic focus on regulatory compliance and governmental relations to sustain its market presence. The conversation also touched upon the recent formation of South Africa's government of national unity, commended for its efficiency and collaborative ethos. Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted the government's proactive engagement with the business sector, underscoring a shared commitment to economic growth and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Naspers sees immense opportunity in South Africa's digital growth trajectory, particularly as the country prepares to host the G20. With a focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, Mahanyele-Dabengwa is optimistic about driving sustainable development and handing over a prosperous agenda to future leaders.