By Richard Shrewry - iLeadLAB Manager at Regent Business School

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses alike. In insightful piece, Richard Shrewry, Regent Business School’s iLeadLAB Manager, explores how AI can enhance society, bridge gaps, and create new opportunities, all while preserving the essential human element.

In the heart of our country, a quiet revolution is underway. This revolution, marked not by upheaval but by the gentle hum of computers and the boundless curiosity of students and innovators, is reshaping the landscape of opportunity through the power of artificial intelligence (AI). This is a story about using AI to enhance, not replace, the human element in society, particularly in a country like South Africa where unemployment rates are at an all-time high, and opportunities may seem scarce to most people.

The Human-Centric Approach to AI

In South Africa, the narrative around AI often raises concerns about job displacement. However, AI should really be viewed as a supportive tool designed to enhance human capabilities and create new opportunities for upskilling and upliftment. The focus needs to be on finding ways for AI to work alongside people to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and efficiency, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

There is no doubt that AI technologies are enabling personalised learning experiences, ensuring individuals receive tailored content and support based on their needs. Of course, it is vital that we are actively addressing bias in AI systems, especially when implementing them in early education. AI must be made accessible to all schools, enhancing learning effectiveness and empowering individuals. This approach ensures that everyone can benefit from AI, making learning more effective and relevant but more importantly, the outcome needs to be AI empowering people to become more skilled and adaptable to thrive in a dynamic job market.

Job Creation Through AI

I would be remiss if I did not mention the link between entrepreneurship and innovation. AI tools are paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators in South Africa. By providing access to powerful technologies, individuals are able to create unique businesses and offerings. Whether it’s developing new AI-driven products or using AI to improve existing processes, the opportunities are vast:

• Enhanced Roles in Business: AI is not about replacing jobs but enhancing them. For instance, in marketing, AI aids in analysing customer behaviour and optimising strategies, allowing marketers to focus on creativity and strategic thinking.
• Improving Efficiency in Accounting: AI applications in financial analysis and automated systems make accounting processes more efficient, enabling accountants to focus on advisory roles and complex decision-making.
• Optimising Supply Chains: AI in logistics and inventory management helps businesses run more smoothly, creating demand for professionals who can manage and interpret AI-driven insights.
• Agricultural Advancements: In a country where agriculture plays a significant role, AI can help in precision farming, crop monitoring, and yield prediction, thus improving productivity and creating jobs in tech-enabled farming.
• Healthcare Improvements: AI-powered diagnostic tools and predictive analytics can enhance healthcare services, leading to better patient outcomes and creating jobs in health informatics and telemedicine.
• Educational Support: AI-driven platforms can support teachers by automating administrative tasks and providing personalised learning experiences for students, allowing educators to focus on mentoring and student engagement.
• Urban Planning and Smart Cities: AI can assist in the development of smart cities, improving infrastructure and services through efficient traffic management, energy distribution, and public safety, thereby creating jobs in urban planning and data analysis.
• Environmental Monitoring: AI can be used to monitor environmental changes and manage natural resources more effectively, leading to jobs in environmental science and sustainable development.

Tools and Technologies Empowering Individuals

In innovative spaces, people engage with cutting-edge technologies, including AI, machine learning, robotics, and IoT. These tools are not just for large corporations but are accessible to anyone with the drive to learn and innovate.

A number of open-source and proprietary tools area available:

• Language Models: Using tools like LM Studio and Ollama, individuals learn to fine-tune language models for specific tasks, enhancing their research and analytical skills.
• Advanced AI Platforms: GROK, Meta AI, OpenAI - ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude provide hands-on experience in applying AI to real-world scenarios, preparing individuals for future careers and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Creative AI Applications: Tools like Stable Diffusion for image generation and 11 Labs for voiceovers and narration encourage people to explore new forms of expression and communication.
• Efficient Presentations: SlidesAI.io, integrated with Google Sheets, helps individuals quickly create professional presentations, improving their presentation and communication skills.

The Larger Picture: 4IR and South Africa

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is not just a concept; it’s a seismic shift that is reshaping industries and societies. In South Africa, and indeed across developing markets, the impact of 4IR technologies like AI is profound. These technologies promise to drive economic growth, transform education, and revolutionise healthcare. Yet, they also bring challenges—an urgent need for upskilling, investment in digital infrastructure, and ethical considerations.

By addressing these challenges through comprehensive programs and initiatives, we can equip individuals with the skills of the future, preparing them to be leaders in this new era.