The Australian Gen AI report offers fascinating insights, but for me, it begs the question: what does this mean for Africa? As Deloitte Africa's Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, I believe the answer is nothing short of transformative.

Firstly, the report highlights the democratisation of AI. This is music to Africa's ears. We've long been on the receiving end of technology developed elsewhere, often ill-suited to our unique needs. Gen AI, with its user-friendly tools and access to advanced computational power, levels the playing field. Suddenly, the power to create solutions for African problems lies in the hands of Africans.

Imagine the possibilities:

• Large language models trained in local languages: Chatbots providing vital healthcare information in rural villages, or educational resources tailored to specific cultures.
• Self-learning algorithms tackling poverty: Analysing vast datasets to identify patterns and predict economic hardship, enabling targeted interventions.
• Reinventing education: Personalised learning experiences, overcoming geographical barriers, and nurturing a generation equipped to solve our continent's challenges.

This brings me to the report's first key point: Generation AI is leading the charge. Africa boasts the youngest population in the world, brimming with digital fluency and a natural affinity for technology. This is our Generation AI, ready to be empowered and equipped with the ethical frameworks to wield this power responsibly.

But it's not just about the youth. The report's concerns about disruption and anxiety resonate deeply. We must address them head-on. Businesses need to upskill their workforce, embrace a culture of experimentation, and foster collaboration between generations. Leaders must build trust by design, ensuring ethical AI that benefits all.

The Australian report may paint a picture of disruption, but for Africa, it's a canvas of opportunity. We have the youthful energy, the local knowledge, and now the accessibility to advanced tools to paint a future where AI empowers, not displaces. It is our job to seize this moment, together, and build an Africa that not just adopts, but owns the Gen AI revolution.

The time for waiting for solutions from elsewhere is over. Africa has the power to create its own, powered by its own people, shaped by its own needs. Together, let’s harness the power of Gen AI to create a future that is not only prosperous, but equitable and truly African.

GenAi has seen explosive growth since being pushed into the spotlight in November 2022, and has the power to change the game and disrupt both established and startups alike.

The technology has opened up a great opportunity for African firms to make a step change across their organisation and we have already seen universities and especially the younger generation embracing GenAi in their daily lives (including studying, work, and personal).

It is imperative for C-suite, executives to not be left behind and to understand this technology to ensure that they understand both the opportunities and risks involved with this new technology.