By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Safaricom PLC processes
approximately 150 million transactions daily, using artificial intelligence to
detect suspicious activity and prevent fraud in real time, according to Group
Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, who has called for responsible AI innovation
to protect trust in Africa’s digital economy.
Ndegwa made the remarks
following the Safaricom Cybersecurity Summit, where he engaged with leaders
from government, business and the security community on the evolving
relationship between AI, cybersecurity and digital trust.
“As AI continues to reshape
our world, the question is, how we can harness its potential responsibly while
protecting the trust that underpins our digital economy?” he said.
Ndegwa noted that while AI
strengthens cybersecurity defences, it also introduces new risks, making
cybersecurity a leadership responsibility and a cornerstone of customer trust.
He said Africa had an
opportunity to move beyond being a consumer of AI to becoming a contributor to
its development, using the technology to solve real challenges across key
sectors.
“The future of AI in Africa
will not be defined by who has the biggest models or data centres, but by who
earns and sustains the greatest trust,” Ndegwa said.
He added that responsible
innovation and collaboration could help build a secure and resilient digital
future for all.
