AI and machine learning technologies are being used in numerous industries that were previously thought to be restricted to using conventional production techniques. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES features a talk between Daniela Massiceti and us as part of our ongoing coverage series on African AI and machine learning research. Daniela is an intriguing and surprising person who specializes in machine learning and human-computer interfaces. Daniela clarifies the precise meaning of...

Cognitive scientist, Prof. Abebe Birhane, joined iAfrikan for an episode of iAfrikan BYTES, live at the University of Ghana during Deep Learning Indaba in September 2023. Awarded Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in AI"  Abebe helped establish the field of auditing publicly available AI training datasets. This is very important because it keeps dangerous datasets from being gathered, which could cause AI to inherently be biased, sexist, or racist. In our conversation, Abebe shares...

In this enlightening episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we sit down with Professor Benjamin Rosman, a leading expert in machine learning and robotics at the University of the Witwatersrand, and the visionary Co-founder of both the Deep Learning Indaba and Lelapa.ai. Delve into the origins and impact off the Indaba, starting from its inaugural event in 2017, and explore the burgeoning AI ecosystem across Africa and insights into Prof. Rosman’s academic journey and his ventures in AI entrepreneurship.

Embark on an inspiring journey with Dr. Ayoko Korsah as she shares her unfiltered insights on AI, robotics, and education in Ghana. In this candid conversation, we explore her experiences breaking gender barriers, the challenges in Africa education, and the evolving tech landscape. Dr. Ayoko advocates for a holistic approach, introducing AI concepts at the undergraduate level and preparing student for the future. Join us for a real talk on the intersection of AI, education, and Ghanaian...

Maathai Impact Award—a beacon celebrating African innovators utilizing machine learning and AI for positive change. An annual spectacle at The Deep Learning Indaba, this award echoes Wangari Maathai's legacy by recognizing outstanding contributions across technology, society, environment, and economy. Hold onto your tech hats as iAfrikan Bytes cranks up the volume on Paul Kennedy, Chief of Staff at Zindi. This episode transforms into a symphony of data science innovation, showcasing how...

Maathai Impact Award—a beacon celebrating African innovators utilizing machine learning and AI for positive change. An annual spectacle at the Deep Learning Indaba, this award echoes Wangari Maathai's legacy by recognizing outstanding contributions across technology, society, environment, and economy. First on the spotlight is Courteney Mukoyi, founder of Justice Code Foundation. iAfrikan Bytes takes you through a riveting episode, uncovering how this tech-driven organization is rewriting...

In this episode, we’re honoured to host Xolani Qubeka, MD and CEO at SBDI Social Enterprise Management Corporation, a self-taught businessman with over 35 years of experience, generously sponsored by Ndiza information Systems. Join us as we dive deep into Bra Xolani’s journey, uncovering the untold stories that have shaped the African tech landscape. From the boardrooms of M-net to the establishment of MTN, we’re peeling back the layers and exposing the transformative moments that defined a...

A new podcast segment on African BYTES, “Uncomfortable Conversation in the Tech Ecosystem,” sponsored by Ndiza Information System, bravely discusses the difficulties that South African entrepreneurs, SMMEs, and black-owned ICT enterprises confront. Thoriso Rangata, the founder and CEO of KTO Digital, a software architect business that creates specialised solutions for industry, joined us in the inaugural episode of iAfrikan BYTES Uncomfortable Conversation. Thorisi discusses the difficulties...

The Information Regulator took an unprecedented step against the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. An eye-watering administrative fine of R5 million was slapped on the DoJ and CD, following their failure to comply with a crucial Enforcement Notice issued just two months prior on May 9 2023. Join us in this episode of iAfrikan BYTES as we unravel the heart of the matter, a trail of contraventions leading back to various sections of the revered Protection of Personal...

In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we are joined by the founder and CEO of Bars.app Ntsako Mgiba to kick off a series documenting the journey of Barz. This app enhances the podcast listening experience and enables you to capture each note without taking your hands of the steering wheel or the broom.

Unreasonably high data charges in South Africa have caused a stir; as part of the #DataMustFall campaign, millions of South Africans vented their annoyance on social media. In order to address this broadband deficiency, Project Isizwe was established in 2013. Funded by the City of Tshwane, the project gave 600,000 monthly citizens 500MB per day via free WIFI access at 1050 public WIFI hotspots throughout the city. After successfully piloting their ‘for-profit’ initiative Kayamandi, they were...

Climate change poses significant threats to Africa, impacting vulnerable communities and exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities. The innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation seeks to catalyze innovation by supporting projects and initiatives that directly address these challenges. Whether it’s enhancing agricultural practices, promoting renewable energy adoption, or implementing climate smart technologies, the fund aims to empower African startups and SMEs to become...

The RIA RAMP Index ranks South Africa as one of the mostly costly countries on the continent to buy data, hence any issues concerning the country’s data service industry are of national relevance. Much grandstanding and politicking on the matter between ICASA and broadband satellite internet company Starlink has occurred in the absence of a true and balanced explanation of the procedural and regulatory requirements to obtain an ISP license to operate as an internet service provider in South...

According to research from the University of the Western Cape School of Business and Finance, 70% to 80% of startups and small business in South Africa fail within five years, and just 1% of micro enterprises that began with less than five employees have expanded to employ 10 or more people. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, Heavy Chef founder Fred Roed joins us to discuss growth issues and how failure can be minimised. Heavy Chef, a platform for entrepreneurship education, provides recipes...

In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we are joined by journalist, Molebogeng Mokoka and senior research analyst, Euston Witbooi from the Centre for Analytics and Behavioral Change. We discuss standard techniques like keyword tracking, sentiment analysis, topic modeling, influencer identification, geolocation tracking, real-time monitoring, and data visualization. We also look at how social media listening tools track and monitor political narratives, lastly, they share insights and data on the...

One notable contribution to the AI revolution in Africa comes from AI research Lab Lelapa AI. With a mandate to strengthen AI research capacity on the African continent, Lelapa AI aims to empower developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to harness the potential of AI for positive impact. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we are joined by Prof. Vukosi Marivate, Co-Founder and CTO of Lelapa AI and Chair of the Data Science for Social Impact Research Group at the University of Pretoria to...

Using technology to increase customer experience, efficiency, and cost savings. The traditional insurance sector has been disrupted by technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are increasingly used to analyse massive volumes of data in order to correctly assess risk and price policies. The first insuretech startup to take advantage of this technology and transform the South African industry was Pineapple Insurance. Ndabenhle Junior Ngulube, co-founder and...

Although the African continent’s venture capital market is expanding, there are still many obstacles preventing the sector’s expansion. Regulatory obstacles, transaction flow restrictions, infrastructure problems, a lack of knowledge, and insufficient cash are a few of the major roadblocks to this expansion. Proximity Ventures, an Australian-based company, is tackling this issue head-on. In addition to backing the best startups on the continent, Tech Safari, their African-focused publication,...

With an increasing number of companies and investors aiming to capitalise on the continent’s untapped potential. On this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, partner and co-founder of Knife Capital Keet van Zyl joined us to discuss the maturation of the VC landscape in South Africa and the matrix VCs use when investing in Startups.

The South Africa Information Regulator is requesting the National Department of Health to comply with its requirements for the deletion and de-indentification of personal data handled during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we’re joined by Adv Collen Weapond from the Information Regulator to better understand what procedural and substantive considerations the regulator will undertake after it referred matter to its enforcement committee following unsuccessful...

The French pay-television firm Canal Plus upped its stake in Multichoice to 30 percent, making it the largest stakeholder. This has alarmed market observers. Critical, is section 64 of the electronic communication Act, which regulates the extent to which foreign entities can have interests in commercial broadcasting services within South Africa. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, from law firm PPM Attorneys, we're joined by Lucien Pierce, to unpack the interpretation of section 64 and...

The University of Pretoria and the United States Attorney General Alliance are hosting a webinar titled Finctech-Crypto Assets and Consumers to discuss the regulation of crypto assets as it stands today, the difficulties facing regulator, and wha the future may hold for this rapidly developing industry. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we are joined by Prof Sylvia, associate professor, Department of Mercantile law, University of Pretoria, South Africa to share insights about the event.

Three-time premiership champions SuperSport united and fintech company iKhokha have struck a sponsorship agreement for the team’s sleeves. In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we hear from Graeme Cumming, chief growth officer of iKhokha, who explains from a storytelling standpoint, if we do it well, it’s a terrific medium for us to take our brand to all of South Africa and increase our brand awareness in a crucial market segment.

Ben Karpinski, a content strategist at Matchkit joins us on this episode to explain what the ROI in Sport advertising is. Explaining in more details the measurements and factors businesses take into account before deciding to sponsor a certain athlete or team or to allocate advertising budget.