TechTrends Breakfast Forum Spotlights Africa’s AI-Powered Transformation
TechTrends Media hosted the TechTrends AI Breakfast Forum at Hyatt Place Nairobi, bringing together senior executives, AI experts, and policymakers to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping business, advancing digital inclusion, and unlocking Africa’s next growth frontier.
Held under the theme “AI-Powered Transformation: Unlocking Africa’s Next Growth Frontier,” the forum explored practical enterprise use cases, responsible deployment, and the skills needed for Africa to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Delivering the keynote, Annepeace Alwala, Vice President of Global Service Delivery at Sama, highlighted AI’s potential to drive inclusive growth.
“Africa is at a pivotal point where technology and innovation can accelerate development like never before,” said Alwala. “AI offers us a unique opportunity to leapfrog barriers, improve productivity, and create new jobs for our people.”
She noted that African talent continues to power global innovation, citing Sama’s data training teams in Kibera.
“AI cannot breathe without people; data is its oxygen. If the data is flawed, the model won’t work,” she added.
Industry leaders from Samsung Electronics East Africa, AI Kenya, iTel Mobile, and CyberPro shared insights on enterprise AI applications, workforce upskilling, ethical AI management, and digital inclusion through affordable technology.
Ryan Mule, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics East Africa, emphasized AI’s relevance to present-day business operations:
“AI is not about futuristic tools but about addressing today’s business challenges — improving workforce productivity and strengthening cybersecurity.”
A key highlight of the event was TechTrends Live, a series of interactive podcast panels featuring Alfred Ongere (CEO, AI Kenya), Benta Kamau (CyberPro), Joseph Henry Okal (Glidex), and Ryan Zhang (iTel Mobile). The conversations focused on AI adoption by African businesses, policy frameworks for responsible use, and expanding participation in the digital economy.
“Digital inclusion requires more than just devices — it demands affordable data, localized solutions, and stronger digital literacy,” noted Zhang.
The forum concluded with an Awards & Recognition Ceremony celebrating contributors to Africa’s growing AI ecosystem, followed by a networking lunch that brought together decision-makers, innovators, and media professionals to foster new partnerships.
Nixon Kanali, Founder of TechTrends Media and host of The TechTrends Podcast, said the event’s goal is to make AI actionable for all organizations:
“Our mission with the AI Breakfast Forum is to demystify AI and show how it can practically transform businesses, SMEs, and communities across Africa.”
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