In attendance were curious students, representatives from the Chinese embassy, UN officials, members of the judiciary, and mobile phone and technology executives who joined virtually. Each has a strong stake in AI, creating fertile ground for stimulating and lively discussion:
Students asked how AI could assist with research without undermining their creativity. They worried that over-reliance on the technology might stifle the human mind and crush innovative spirit.
China, a global leader in AI development, stressed its intention to partner inclusively with Africa to spearhead AI growth.
The UN highlighted social challenges linked to the lack of energy resources to fight poverty.
The judiciary explored both the opportunities and the challenges of AI in advancing justice.
All these issues resonate with Mutambara's book, which seeks to show how AI can be deployed to achieve the United Nation' Sustainable Development Goals SDGs by 2030. He drew important links between AI, economics, productivity and entrepreneurship.
In a provocative aside, Mutambara encouraged universities to accommodate dropouts who leave to build industries, and to welcome them back if they fail. Citing Bill Gates as an example, he argued that leaving school to pursue entrepreneurship should not be stigmatised.