AI in Africa: Bridging the gender divide?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping Africa's tech workforce, but without deliberate action, it risks reinforcing biases rather than closing the gender gap. In South Africa, only 9 per cent of cybersecurity professionals are women, far below the global average of 25 per cent. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. Charmaine Houvet, Senior Director: Government Strategy & Policy at Cisco Africa, discussed some of these issues in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women in AI and technology and the need for a more inclusive approach to skills development and recruitment. The conversation also touched on the role of businesses and governments in driving change and enabling a more diverse and resilient tech workforce in Africa. Houvet pointed out that despite the availability of training programs and initiatives to attract women to the tech sector, there are still gaps in the recruitment and retention of female talent. She emphasized the importance of not only training women but also providing them with opportunities for growth and advancement within organizations. The interview also addressed the challenges of attracting young graduates, especially women, to pursue careers in technology and AI. While there are efforts to promote STEM education and engage more women in the tech field, there is still a need for greater awareness and interest among young people. When discussing the preparedness of South African businesses to adopt AI and technology, Houvet highlighted some positive initiatives, such as partnerships with women-led organizations and the government's support for AI and cybersecurity initiatives. She emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and create a more inclusive tech ecosystem. While there are promising developments in the tech sector, there is a recognition that more needs to be done to accelerate progress and ensure that women are well-represented in the industry. In conclusion, the conversation with Charmaine Houvet shed light on the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gender gap in AI and technology in Africa. While there are encouraging signs of progress, there is still a long way to go in creating a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce. By continuing to advocate for gender equality, investing in skills development, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, Africa can harness the full potential of AI and drive sustainable growth and innovation in the digital economy.