A US-based tech entrepreneur has urged students and workers to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and deploy it strategically to amplify their capacities.
Ebako Mukwele, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MKNet Consulting LLC and EMATECH Academy Inc., USA, said AI was not going to replace humans, but that it was a tool that could amplify human capacity if used appropriately.
“Humans create AI. So, AI is not there to replace us. You still have to have control over it,” Mr Mukwele stressed.
He was delivering the keynote address last Friday at the Futuristic Africa Youth and Technology Symposium (FAYATS), organised by the University of Media, Arts and Communication Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) in Accra.
Held in the Seminar Room on UniMAC's South Legon Campus, the symposium brought together students, academics, and tech enthusiasts with a shared goal: preparing Africa's next generation for a tech-driven world.
The event, which was organised by the Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies (FOJAM) at UniMAC-IJ, in partnership with MKNet Consulting LLC and EMATECH Academy Inc., USA, highlighted the critical role of Africa's youth in leading the continent's digital future.
With insights from Mr Mukwele on applying AI and technology to amplify human capacity, and with support from university officials, the event brought up the importance of keeping up with technological advancements. It also underscored the need for Africa to leverage technology for sustainable development and growth.
No threat
The presentation covered technology, responsibility, vision and Africa’s untapped potential, with a call for Africa to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of technology and innovation.
Mr Mukwele, an IT consultant, whose academy organises online certification programmes in technology, explained that artificial intelligence was not a threat. He, therefore, encouraged students to take control of their digital futures by acquiring the right skills and mindset.
He said Africa’s future depended on how its youth rose up to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Collaboration
The Rector of UniMAC-IJ, Professor Christiana Hammond, highlighted the programme’s goal of empowering students by promoting collaboration in teaching, learning and research.
“This is a programme where we are going to learn about areas of collaboration in terms of teaching, learning and research,” she said.
Prof. Hammond expressed delight that the tech guru was ready to initiate opportunities for student retention in organisations outside Ghana.
The Rector mentioned a meeting with the Director of the Centre for Global Education and Collaborations, during which they discussed areas of synergy and partnership.
The Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies, Prof. Etse Sikanku, also emphasised the importance of keeping up with the latest trends and breakthroughs in technology.
He stated that technology was “a rapidly changing field having a significant impact on the world”.
Context
The symposium aimed to familiarise attendees with cutting-edge technologies and emerging applications shaping the industry, aligning with the Dean’s emphasis on the importance of staying informed about technological advancements.
Far from being a dry academic event, the symposium buzzed with energy and curiosity, creating an engaging and inspiring atmosphere.
Students leaned in with curiosity, asked thoughtful questions, and explored how innovative IT solutions could be applied to real-world challenges—ranging from education and agriculture to media and governance.
