Google leverages AI to combat threats in digital advertising

Google leverages AI to combat threats in digital advertising




Google leverages AI to combat threats in digital advertising

As the world increasingly relies on digital platforms for information and commerce, Google is doubling down on efforts to maintain a safe and trustworthy online advertising ecosystem. In its recently released 2023 Ads Safety Report, the tech giant outlined how it is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models (LLMs), to tackle emerging threats and bad actors.

“The key trend in 2023 was the impact of generative AI,” stated Duncan Lennox, VP and GM of Ads Privacy and Safety at Google. “This new technology introduced significant and exciting changes to the digital advertising industry, from performance optimisation to image editing.”

While acknowledging the challenges posed by generative AI, Lennox emphasised Google’s commitment to addressing them head-on. “Our teams are embracing this transformative technology, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), so that we can better keep people safe online,” he said.

Traditional machine learning models have proven effective in detecting and blocking billions of bad ads before they reach users. However, these models often require extensive training on vast datasets. LLMs, on the other hand, can rapidly review and interpret content at a high volume while capturing nuances that traditional models may miss.

According to the report, LLMs have already enabled larger-scale and more precise enforcement decisions on complex policies, such as those targeting unreliable financial claims and get-rich-quick schemes. “LLMs are more capable of quickly recognizing new trends in financial services, identifying the patterns of bad actors who are abusing those trends and distinguishing a legitimate business from a get-rich-quick scam,” the report stated.

In its ongoing battle against fraud and scams, Google introduced the Limited Ads Serving policy in November 2023. This policy aims to protect users by limiting the reach of advertisers with whom Google is less familiar until they establish a track record of good behaviour.

The report also highlighted Google’s rapid response to a targeted campaign featuring the likenesses of public figures, often through deep fakes, to scam users. A dedicated team was formed to pinpoint patterns in bad actors’ behaviour, train enforcement models, and update misrepresentation policies to better enable account suspensions.

Overall, in 2023, Google blocked or removed 206.5 million advertisements for violating its misrepresentation policy, 273.4 million for violating its financial services policy, and over 1 billion for abusing the ad network, including promoting malware.

As the fight against scam ads intensifies, Google is collaborating with organisations like the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Stop Scams UK to facilitate information sharing and protect consumers worldwide.

The report also emphasised Google’s efforts to ensure the integrity of election ads, verifying more than 5,000 new election advertisers and removing over 7.3 million election ads from unverified sources in 2023.

Looking ahead, Google recognises the need for continuous adaptation, stating, “Though we don’t yet know what the rest of 2024 has in store for us, we are confident that our investments in policy, detection, and enforcement will prepare us for any challenges ahead.”

Read next: Google lifts veil on AI First accelerator for African start-ups

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Cisco doubles down on hybrid work with new AI-powered collaboration devices

Cisco doubles down on hybrid work with new AI-powered collaboration devices




Cisco doubles down on hybrid work with new AI-powered collaboration devices

Cisco is making a big bet that hybrid work is here to stay by unveiling new purpose-built devices aimed at modernising collaboration experiences in the office. At this week’s Enterprise Connect conference, the networking giant announced the launch of the Cisco Board Pro G2 and Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series.

The Board Pro G2 is an AI-fueled, touch-enabled collaboration board designed for hybrid teamwork in smaller meeting spaces like huddle rooms and classrooms. It packs an impressive 96-megapixel dual-lens camera system that provides intelligent, expanded views of in-room participants whether they are up close or further away from the board.

“With AI built in from the ground up, our voice and video devices are changing what’s possible for hybrid workers, delivering tangible outcomes that matter,” said Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s EVP and GM of Security and Collaboration.

The Board Pro G2 leverages advanced image processing for a new virtual zoom capability to extend camera reach in long rooms without degrading video quality. It also offers multi-stream layouts in Webex Meetings that show both an overview of the room and a close-up of the active speaker simultaneously.

Under the hood, the NVIDIA chipset and computing engine enable enhanced video quality, better performance, and more headroom to run web apps for seamless digital whiteboarding, annotation, and integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Miro, and Mural.

On the desk phone front, Cisco unveiled the 9800 Series as a personal productivity hub for the hybrid office. These IP phones aim to deliver a personalised experience by allowing employees to reserve desks in advance, see their contacts and calendar, and join meetings with a single tap.

The 9800 phones are certified for secure enterprise calling and meetings through end-to-end encryption. Cisco also emphasised their sustainability cred, with the phones containing over 74% post-consumer recycled plastics.

Both devices integrate with Cisco’s workplace reservation and management tools to provide IT teams with insights to optimise their collaboration infrastructure.

While most vendors have prioritised personal collaboration apps during the pandemic, Cisco is clearly focused on outfitting the hybrid office of the future. By packing AI smarts and intelligent camera tech into new sleek room systems and desk phones, the company is giving customers more choices to untether hybrid workers from traditional video conferencing setups.

Of course, the success of these new collaboration devices will hinge on organisations’ long-term hybrid work strategies actually playing out as envisioned. But Cisco is smart to evolve its portfolio for the hybrid future it sees coming.

Read next: Cisco teams up with Microsoft and Samsung to improve hybrid meeting experiences

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Cybercriminals exploit human error as biggest security flaw

Cybercriminals exploit human error as biggest security flaw




Cybercriminals exploit human error as biggest security flaw

As the digital world expands and more countries prepare for elections this year, cybercriminals are escalating their attacks on businesses, capitalising on employees’ mistakes as the biggest security vulnerability, according to a new report by the cybersecurity company Mimecast.

The company’s annual “State of Email and Collaboration Security” report, released on Sunday, is based on a global survey of 1,100 information technology and cybersecurity professionals. It found that a staggering 70 percent of South African organisations have experienced ransomware attacks over the past 12 months.

“Human risk is today’s biggest security gap, and IT teams must better equip employees with the right tools and training,” the report stated. It revealed that 40 percent of all cyber breaches in South Africa were caused by human factors, including errors, stolen credentials, misuse of access privileges, or social engineering tactics that manipulate people into sharing sensitive information.

Despite this glaring risk, only 22 percent of organisations regularly train their employees to identify cyber attacks on an ongoing basis, the report found.

Marc Van Zadelhoff, CEO of Mimecast Limited

Marc van Zadelhoff, the chief executive of Mimecast, emphasised the need for cybersecurity teams to work closely with business leaders to prioritise understanding and mitigating human risk. “With the right tools and education, companies can better safeguard against threats and manage human risk,” he said.

The report also highlighted the increasingly sophisticated attacks deployed by cybercriminal groups and the challenges posed by insufficient cybersecurity budgets as major threats facing South African organisations.

As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes make it easier for threat actors to perpetrate successful phishing and ransomware attacks, over two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about new AI-driven threats. Fifty-four percent said their organisations would likely face AI-driven attacks in the coming year.

While email remains the primary vector for cyber threats like phishing, spoofing, and ransomware, the report found that collaboration tools pose new and dangerous entry points for bad actors. Fifty-seven percent of respondents expect collaboration tools to pose new threats, and 60 percent believe their company will likely be harmed by an attack targeting these platforms.

“Emerging tools and technologies like AI and deep fakes, along with the proliferation of collaboration platforms, are changing the way threat actors work, but people remain the biggest barrier to protecting companies from cyber threats,” Mr. van Zadelhoff said.

Brian Pinnock, Mimecast’s Vice President of Sales Engineering for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasised the need for organisations to integrate robust cybersecurity measures into their daily operations to ensure secure and sustainable business practices in the increasingly digital-first economy.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the report underscores the significant and dangerous gaps in many South African businesses’ defensive measures, particularly in addressing human risks, which remain largely unaddressed.

Featured image: Brian Pinnock, Vice President of Sales Engineering EMEA at Mimecast

Read next: Cyber Risks Threaten Businesses – But Detection and Response Can Help

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How Women Could Solve the Technology Industry’s Talent Drought

How Women Could Solve the Technology Industry’s Talent Drought




How Women Could Solve the Technology Industry’s Talent Drought

The technology industry is facing a severe talent crunch, with an estimated 85.2 million unfilled software developer job vacancies projected by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the number of vacancies having exceeded 40 million in 2021, according to a report by SaaS company Trienpont International.  This staggering shortage poses a major risk to companies worldwide, potentially leading to revenue losses exceeding a whopping $8.4 trillion.

As the demand for coding talent intensifies, companies are being pushed to think outside the box and broaden their talent pipelines beyond traditional sources. Mvelo Hlophe, CEO of edtech company Zaio, believes that women could be the answer to this crisis.

“The tech industry remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, with only 8.12% of software developers worldwide being female,” Hlophe said, citing a 2022 Statista survey. “It’s an absolute no-brainer for companies to actively recruit more women into coding roles to simultaneously address the skills gap and foster a more inclusive environment.”

Hlophe’s company, Zaio, has implemented innovative strategies to attract and retain female talent in the developer workforce. One approach is leveraging accessible platforms like TikTok to create bite-sized educational videos that pique young women’s interest in coding, even if they lack access to computers.

“While many young women don’t have access to a computer, they often have access to a mobile phone,” Hlophe explained. “Once they watch our videos and show an interest in learning to code, they can usually find a way to borrow a laptop until they can purchase one.”

Representation within the technology industry is another key focus area for Zaio. By incorporating more inclusive imagery in their marketing campaigns and partnering with influential women in tech, the company aims to inspire and create role models for aspiring female developers.

However, recruitment is only the first step. Hlophe acknowledges that retention remains a significant challenge, with women leaving the technology sector at an alarming rate despite companies’ efforts to improve gender diversity.

“The end goal is not just to recruit female talent but also to retain them,” Hlophe emphasized. “Tech companies must cultivate an environment that supports women’s success by removing barriers to career advancement, addressing pay gaps, promoting work-life balance, and completely eliminating gender bias and harassment.”

As the tech industry grapples with the developer skills shortage, Zaio’s innovative approach to attracting and retaining women in coding roles could provide a much-needed solution. By tapping into this underrepresented talent pool and fostering an inclusive culture, companies may not only address their talent needs but also drive innovation through diverse perspectives.

Read next: Cape Town Welcomes Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Center

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Balancing humanity with technology: The art of CX excellence

Balancing humanity with technology: The art of CX excellence




Balancing humanity with technology: The art of CX excellence

Chief Experience Officer at Rentoza, Khosi Ncube, unpacks the importance of CX for the modern consumer and shares her advice on how to make CX a priority.

In a hyper-competitive business landscape, customers will opt for the business that gives them the best experience. It doesn’t matter if you are a small business or a large corporation, the customer experience you offer makes all the difference. So let us all face the facts. The significance of prioritising customer experience (or ‘CX’ as we call it) cannot be overstated.

Every interaction between a customer and a business holds the potential to either fortify or fracture the relationship. From a simple inquiry to a complex service request, each touchpoint shapes the customer’s perception of the brand.

In an era of omnichannel engagement, maintaining consistency across various platforms fosters customer loyalty and sustains business growth. Recent studies have underscored the pivotal role of CX in shaping consumer behaviour and driving business success. According to a PWC Future of CX Report, 73% of all people point to customer experience as an important factor in their purchasing decisions. It also found that 63% say they’d share more information with a company that offers a great experience.

Given the nature of these statistics, we have to admit that CX is no mere buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of sustainable business growth.

In the past decade, the concept of CX has evolved significantly, becoming a daily requirement across all business roles rather than merely a boardroom topic. With advancements in technology and marketing reach, the need to show up consistently across all touchpoints, from traditional retail to digital platforms means the difference between succeeding and failing.

So, if you are looking to build a better customer experience, here are a few CX pointers:

Grow a seamless omnichannel experience

Ensures a seamless omnichannel experience by extending touchpoints beyond your traditional core platforms. You need to blend the physical and digital experiences into one cohesive customer journey. Accessibility anytime and anywhere is a key aspect, and it should be tailored to match and serve the demographics of your consumers.

Contributing to business objectives

Prioritising customer experience should directly contribute to your overall business objectives. It aims for customer loyalty and retention to achieve sustainable growth, reducing customer acquisition costs through positive brand reputation and driving revenue by placing the customer first.

Customer feedback is a core driver

Leverage customer feedback extensively to improve CX. Implement various tech platforms for gathering customer metrics and utilising social media as a primary source of feedback, Rentoza actively addresses issues, improves processes, and enhances the overall customer journey.

Staying Ahead of Emerging Trends

To stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in CX, Rentoza emphasises the importance of data and research. Investing in research and development teams and partnering with market research businesses allows Rentoza to adapt to evolving customer needs and expectations rapidly.

Balancing Technology with Human Interaction

With the rise of self-service options and automation, balancing technology with human interaction to maintain a solid CX becomes a top priority. By finding the sweet spot between AI-driven automation and personal interaction, you remain accessible while addressing the unique needs of each customer.

Managing Online Reputation

In today’s era of social media and online reviews, managing online reputation is crucial. Acknowledge the importance of addressing customer feedback effectively, utilizing platforms like social media to engage with customers and resolve issues promptly.

Future Trends in CX

Personalization and omnichannel integration are identified as major trends shaping the future of CX. It’s crucial to highlight the importance of integrating channels seamlessly to meet customer expectations and deliver a tailored experience across various touchpoints.

Challenges of Scaling Up

The challenges of scaling up while maintaining good CX, particularly for entrepreneurs with small or medium-sized businesses, are significant. As businesses grow rapidly, maintaining consistency becomes difficult, emphasising the continuous need to prioritise the customer experience.

Customer Responsibility in CX

Acknowledge the role of customers in creating a successful CX. While businesses strive to provide the best experience possible, constructive feedback and engagement from customers are essential in driving improvements and meeting evolving expectations.

Ultimately, commitment to customer experience underscores dedication to sustainable business growth. As businesses scale and innovate, recognising the importance of customer feedback and collaboration is key to navigating the future of technology access and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Read next: How to achieve a frictionless customer experience in fintech

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AWS Aims to Propel Black-Owned Tech Start-Ups

AWS Aims to Propel Black-Owned Tech Start-Ups




AWS Aims to Propel Black-Owned Tech Start-Ups

In a move to bolster South Africa’s burgeoning technology sector, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is doubling down on its efforts to nurture and support Black-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).

The programme, which has already incubated and developed 27 SMEs since its inception in 2020, aims to add another 20 success stories to its 2024 cohort, with a particular focus on empowering female and youth entrepreneurs.

Although there is an increased internet penetration, technology adoption and availability of venture capital funding across Africa, a Startup Genome survey highlights a concerning gender gap for tech startups on the sub-continent with only 15% of founders being women.

“These SMEs are critical drivers of our economic future,” said Chris Erasmus, Country Manager at AWS South Africa. “As a major player in cloud, we have a duty to work with our customers to empower growth from within, going all the way from funding, to training, to business development.”

The EEIP is an 18-to-24-month Partner Acceleration Programme designed to assist Black SMEs in launching their businesses on the AWS cloud and cloud computing services. Successful applicants become part of a global cohort of over 120,000 AWS Partner Network (APN) businesses, gaining access to Amazon’s systems, skills, and knowledge, as well as local and international market opportunities.

The programme has already helped secure over 150 jobs for South African youth, a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.

One of the programme’s standout success stories is One Linkage, a female-founded SME that achieved APN Advanced Tier Partner status in less than one year on the programme. Hepsy Mkhungo, Founder and CEO of One Linkage, praised the EEIP’s impact, saying, “Non-tech founders like me are empowered with sufficient technical knowledge required to engage in strategic decisions regarding solutions being built. I deliberately used the opportunity provided by AWS’ EEIP to level the playing field and bring credibility to the solutions we build for our customers.”

Collectively, AWS EEIP partners have achieved over 603 AWS certifications, 1,032 AWS accreditations, and have grown their revenue by an average of 126% since joining the programme. Many have already developed distinctive service offerings, such as AWS Media & Entertainment Services, Amazon Relational Database Service Delivery Programmes, and AWS IoT Serverless designs.

Applications for the 2024 EEIP cohort are now open until April 12, 2024, and can be submitted here. Preference will be given to start-ups that are female-owned and -managed, in support of the Digital Collective Africa’s gender diversity pledge to empower female entrepreneurs.

As technology continues to drive the global economy, initiatives like AWS’ EEIP are crucial in fostering an inclusive and diverse ecosystem of innovative entrepreneurs, particularly in regions where access to funding and support remains a significant barrier.

Read next: AWS announces funding boost for women founders in Africa

 

Featured image by Brendon Petersen

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Cisco Buys Splunk for $28 Billion, Betting Big on Data and Security

Cisco Buys Splunk for $28 Billion, Betting Big on Data and Security




Cisco Buys Splunk for $28 Billion, Betting Big on Data and Security

Cisco completed its $28 billion acquisition of the data analytics company Splunk on Monday, making a major push into the rapidly growing markets for cybersecurity and observing the digital operations of companies and organisations.

The deal, one of the largest in the technology industry in recent years, underscores how critically important data has become as companies ramp up their use of artificial intelligence and other data-hungry technologies. Cisco, long dominant in computer networking equipment, is positioning itself to capitalise on those trends.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Splunk to Cisco,” Chuck Robbins, Cisco’s chair and chief executive, said in a statement. “As one of the world’s largest software companies, we will revolutionise the way our customers leverage data to connect and protect every aspect of their organisation as we help power and protect the AI revolution.”

With Splunk, Cisco gains software that helps companies monitor their digital operations, detect cyber threats and investigate security incidents across their networks, applications and devices. Splunk’s data collection and analysis tools are used by over 90 of the Fortune 100 companies.

“Uniting Splunk and Cisco will bring tremendous value to our joint customers worldwide,” said Gary Steele, the executive who will lead Splunk inside Cisco. “The combination will provide truly comprehensive visibility and insights across an organisation’s entire digital footprint.”

Cisco paid $157 per share for Splunk, whose stock had traded around $65 a share before reports emerged about a potential sale. The price tag highlights the high premiums being paid for companies in strategically important fields.

Through the acquisition, Cisco gains a major analytics platform to help companies make sense of the reams of data being generated by the billions of digital devices, clouds and apps used by businesses and organisations. With artificial intelligence taking on a bigger role, having the right data pipelines and analysis tools is seen as crucial.

“Effective use of the right data at massive scale is critical to enable the meaningful benefits of AI and help organisations drive outcomes never before possible,” Robbins said.

Robbins argued that Cisco, with its networking equipment installed across corporate and institutional networks, is now “uniquely poised” to integrate Splunk’s data capabilities with its core offerings to create what he described as “unparalleled visibility and insights” for customers.

“To truly reap the benefits of AI, organisations need the infrastructure to power it, the data to develop it, a security platform to protect it, and an observability platform to monitor and manage it in real time,” he said. “Cisco will be able to do all four together.”

Cisco’s goal is to create an integrated platform for better networking, security, observability for tracking performance of apps and systems, and tapping into artificial intelligence. Robbins said Cisco and Splunk combined would allow “customers to do things that weren’t possible before.”

Stephen Elliot, an analyst at the research firm IDC, said, “Cisco has created a unique set of solutions for networking, security and operations executives in the market.”  

Cisco said the deal would add to its revenue growth and profit margins. Splunk’s stock will cease trading on the Nasdaq exchange.

The deal pushes further consolidation in the cybersecurity industry, a decade after Cisco paid nearly $3 billion for the security firm Sourcefire. It follows recent large acquisitions by Microsoft, Google and others to beef up their data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.

Read next: Cisco teams up with Microsoft and Samsung to improve hybrid meeting experiences

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inDrive Revs Up Global Expansion with $150M Financing Boost from General Catalyst

inDrive Revs Up Global Expansion with $150M Financing Boost from General Catalyst




inDrive Revs Up Global Expansion with $150M Financing Boost from General Catalyst

Urban mobility platform inDrive is turbocharging its global growth ambitions after securing an additional $150 million in financing from longtime investor General Catalyst. The move expands the companies’ existing financing arrangement to $300 million and provides inDrive with flexible capital to accelerate expansion into new markets, innovate its product offerings, and double down on its mission of making transportation more accessible.

The fresh funding injection arrives hot on the heels of a blockbuster 2023 for the ride-hailing disruptor. InDrive’s net revenue skyrocketed 54% year-over-year, powered by the company’s unique approach that enables passengers and drivers to negotiate fares. This driver-centric model has proven to be a hit with gig workers seeking higher earnings and riders hunting for more affordable transportation options.

“Securing this financing from General Catalyst empowers us to continue our rapid growth and innovation while maintaining a strong financial position and flexibility,” said Dmitry Sedov, CFO at inDrive. “This structure is designed to support our ambitious plans without added risk, as we strive to make mobility accessible for communities worldwide.”

The funding comes as inDrive cements its status as a global ride-sharing force. According to data.ai, the platform ranked as the second most downloaded ride-hailing app globally for two consecutive years and landed among the top five most downloaded travel apps overall.

General Catalyst, an early believer in inDrive’s vision, is doubling down on its long-term partnership and the startup’s potential for disrupting urban mobility worldwide. “We are excited to help them continue scaling and expanding into new markets,” said Pranav Singhvi, Managing Director at General Catalyst. “We are enthusiastic about supporting a robust mission that positively impacts communities globally.”

With its financial runway extended, inDrive is primed to challenge incumbents and conventional models within the $1 trillion mobility services industry. The company’s unique negotiated fare system, backed by AI-powered routing and pricing algorithms, has already gained significant traction across 47 countries and over 680 cities.

Looking ahead, the funding will allow inDrive to continue challenging social injustice and spearheading equitable access to transportation solutions that empower both riders and drivers. The platform’s rising popularity reflects a hunger for urban mobility services centered around fairness, flexibility and putting more earnings into the pockets of gig workers.

Read next: 5 golden rules to enable funding for SMEs

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Sungrow Unveils Powerful New Solar + Battery System for Homes and Businesses in South Africa

Sungrow Unveils Powerful New Solar + Battery System for Homes and Businesses in South Africa




Sungrow Unveils Powerful New Solar + Battery System for Homes and Businesses in South Africa

Solar power solutions company Sungrow has launched a new line of three-phase hybrid inverters and battery energy storage systems for the South African market. The systems are designed for both residential and commercial/industrial applications, offering scalable and efficient energy solutions.

For homes, Sungrow’s new single-phase inverters come in 6kW and 10kW models. The real stars, however, are the three-phase hybrid inverter options at 15kW, 20kW, and 25kW capacity. “Last year, we were mainly focused on launching our single-phase inverter that was mainly dedicated to residential households. But now we’re seeing that the attention and focus in South Africa is moving towards low commercial and industrial applications, and for those kinds of loads, we typically require a three-phase hybrid inverter,” said Ezzat Sankari, Sungrow Middle East and Africa channel business director.

These inverters can be paired with Sungrow’s 9.5kWh or 25.6kWh lithium ferro phosphate batteries to create a hybrid solar + storage system. The three-phase design provides more power for energy-intensive appliances and equipment in large homes or small-to-medium businesses.

“The system deploys high voltage lithium ferro phosphate, which by nature of the circuit architecture makes the losses internally inside the inverter much less,” explained Sankari. Sungrow engineer Leonard Visser added that the high system voltage allows smaller cable cross-sections, reducing overall losses.

The units feature three maximum power point trackers to optimise roof solar installations of different orientations. They also utilise Sungrow’s patented PID Zero technology to prevent long-term degradation of solar panels from potential induced degradation (PID), which can reduce power output by up to 30%.

For larger applications, the inverters are paralleled with up to 890kWh of battery capacity across 32 batteries. Sungrow offers a potent 125kW string inverter for commercial and industrial (C&I) use cases. The system’s 10ms changeover time during a grid outage enables seamless backup operation.

“With that being said, you can start your battery capacity from 25.6kWh up until 890.2kWh,” said Visser. He claimed the batteries offer 100% depth of discharge over 6,000 cycles, outlasting competing products.

Visser highlighted the system’s strong safety features, like an arc-fault circuit interrupter that can isolate faults across 200m of solar cables in 200ms. The system also integrates with Sungrow’s iSolar cloud monitoring app for tracking real-time energy consumption.

With 40% of its workforce in R&D, Sungrow continues innovating sustainable energy tech like hydrogen energy storage systems and EV charging infrastructure. Their new three-phase hybrid system marks a major step in deploying resilient and cost-effective solar for South Africa’s residential and C&I sectors.

Read next: Lulalend commits to fuelling solar SMEs in SA

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With AI technology tailor-made in Africa, the sky’s the limit

With AI technology tailor-made in Africa, the sky’s the limit




With AI technology tailor-made in Africa, the sky’s the limit

With so many hyperbolic claims and counter-claims being made about Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s hard to know what to think. Should we be hopeful or afraid, excited or sceptical? Is any of this actually going to make a difference to our lives any time soon?

While today’s generative AI tools can do amazing things, they are still nowhere near human-level intelligence. They are, in effect, highly sophisticated pattern recognition machines. But while they can’t think for themselves, they are remarkable problem-solving tools. They’re already helping to accelerate medical and scientific research and making a big difference in a range of industries.

Across the South African economy, AI tools have the potential to boost productivity enormously. And they can help us in our everyday lives. AI assistants could provide tailored support when we need it and help us all to get more done in our days. Soon, we’ll be rolling out our Meta AI virtual assistant to WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram users in Nigeria and South Africa, alongside those in a number of other countries in Africa and elsewhere, which you can use to answer questions with real-time information and generate images from your text prompts to share across your favourite app.

As more and more people, businesses and organisations get to grips with how AI tools can help them solve problems, they could create huge economic and social opportunities. But that’s going to take time, and it is going to require that AI tools are tailored to the specific needs South Africans have.

That’s what Jacaranda Health has done with its AI-enabled digital health service, PROMPTS, which is designed to help expecting mothers across Sub-Saharan Africa. PROMPTS sends women text messages in Swahili tracked to their stages of pregnancy. It also has an AI-enabled helpdesk that uses natural language processing to triage and respond to their questions, and makes rapid referrals if a risk is identified. With Meta’s support, Jacaranda aims to expand PROMPTS to 1.3 million women across the region. To do all this, Jacaranda developed an AI tool that understands Swahili, built on Meta’s open source Llama 2 foundation model.

The computing power required to build and operate foundational AI models can be vast and expensive, which is why so few companies have them. Most of those companies are in the United States, but generative AI is not going to have the sort of transformative effect that people hope it will in South Africa unless people are using AI tools designed with the needs of South Africans in mind. That’s why it’s so important that many of these models are open and accessible, so more Africans can do what Jacaranda has done and adapt them for Africans to use.

Meta has a long history of sharing AI technologies like PyTorch, the leading machine learning framework, and our Llama large language models. And we’ve published more than 1,000 AI open source models and tools, including our “Seamless” suite of AI research models that can translate your own voice into another language.

I’m in South Africa this week to meet policymakers, academics, experts and entrepreneurs and talk about open source AI and how Meta can support the growing digital economy here. Africa has a young, tech-savvy population that is brimming with creativity. In little over a decade, it could have the largest workforce in the world. The continent is on the cusp of becoming a major centre for innovation. We want to be part of that.

That’s why we’ve rolled out programmes like Boost with Meta and #SheMeansBusiness, reaching millions of small businesses across the continent and helping more than 350,000 entrepreneurs develop their skills. And it’s why we’ve laid tens of thousands of subsea and terrestrial fibre cables, such as 2Africa, helping to generate tens of billions of dollars for African economies.

This is good for Africa and good for Meta. We want Africans to build amazing things with our technologies. Better products, faster innovation and a flourishing market in Africa will benefit Meta as it will many others. With fast internet access and AI technology tailor-made for Africa’s needs, challenges and opportunities, the sky’s the limit.

By Nick Clegg, Meta President, Global Affairs

Read next: Fostering an inclusive future: Navigating the AI race in South Africa

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