MTN Rwanda CEO on the path to AI regulation in Africa

The 10th edition of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit is currently underway at the Time Square Casino in Pretoria, where prominent female leaders from Africa and beyond have gathered to celebrate International Women's Day. CNBC Africa's Keamogetswe Mosepele had the honor of speaking with Mapula Bodibe, the Chief Executive Officer at MTN Rwandacell PLC. The discussion centered around the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and the crucial need for policy and regulation in harnessing its benefits while mitigating risks. Bodibe highlighted three key areas where regulations are essential in AI development. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of data privacy regulations to prevent exposures and leakages that could pose risks to individuals. Secondly, she discussed the risk of biases in AI systems, citing an example where an AI model favored male candidates in a recruitment process until adjusted to include women. Finally, she touched on the necessity of regulations to ensure AI operates within the framework of varying national regulations and cultural priorities across borders. Bodibe expressed concern over Africa's lagging pace in AI progress compared to global counterparts, underlining the need for concerted efforts to advance AI technology on the continent. MTN Rwanda, under her leadership, has developed a strategy focusing on leveraging AI in financial services, healthcare, and agriculture to address critical societal needs in Africa. From increasing access to credit through data analysis to enhancing healthcare services with drone technology and optimizing agricultural productivity through weather predictions, AI is seen as a transformative tool for social development in Africa. Bodibe also noted the potential for AI to foster enhanced interconnectivity across Africa through initiatives like the African Free Continental Trade Area. However, she stressed the importance of harmonizing regulatory frameworks and data sharing practices across countries to facilitate seamless trade and collaboration. While conversations around AI collaboration in Africa have gained momentum, Bodibe highlighted the need for more concrete efforts to align regulations and policies to realize the full potential of AI in promoting a more interconnected continent.