Decode 2.0, Safaricom’s recent engineering summit in Kenya, focused on upskilling local tech talent and exploring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). In collaboration with industry leaders like Huawei and AWS, the summit showcased innovative AI applications, including the Safaricom – AWS Deep Racer Championship 2023, highlighting the prowess of data science teams.
The introduction of the Digital Twin, an AI product creating digital replicas based on data inputs, marked a key development. Discussions at the summit covered pivotal tech trends such as AI, cross-border payments, quantum computing, internet connectivity, eSports, gaming, and education.
With the aim of becoming a purpose-driven technology hub by 2025, the summit addressed the skills gap, providing opportunities for engineers through initiatives like Safaricom Decode. The need for aligning talent with the demands of an AI-driven job market was a central theme.
Key figures, including President Ruto’s Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, highlighted the role of innovation in job creation and showcased Kenya’s achievements across various sectors through cutting-edge solutions. The summit emphasized the imminent impact of AI in reshaping the country’s technological landscape.
Kadri Humal, the Honorary Consul of Estonia to Kenya, drew parallels with Estonia’s digital success, emphasizing the potential for Kenya to rapidly transform into a technology-driven society. Overall, the summit underlined the transformative influence of AI and emerging technologies on Kenya’s technological future.
