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Cybastion Exec highlights the power of AI to drive innovation in Africa during African Diaspora Day on the Hill

Cybastion Exec highlights the power of AI to drive innovation in Africa during African Diaspora Day on the Hill

On this year's African Diaspora Day on the Hill, U.S. lawmakers, global investors, and African Diaspora leaders from the technology, creative industries, and critical minerals and energy sectors gathered on September 16 for a high-level forum on Capitol Hill on forging a new U.S. economic partnership with Africa and the Caribbean. Armand Tchokokam, […]

On this year's African Diaspora Day on the Hill, U.S. lawmakers, global investors, and African Diaspora leaders from the technology, creative industries, and critical minerals and energy sectors gathered on September 16 for a high-level forum on Capitol Hill on forging a new U.S. economic partnership with Africa and the Caribbean.

Armand Tchokokam, Executive Vice President and Global CFO of Cybastion, was a panelist during the “Technology and AI” session where he highlighted that AI represents a “huge growth opportunity” with the potential to open up new markets and industries.

Moderated bySemhar Araïa, CEO of the Diaspora Academy, including other panelistsZekarias Amsalu Dubale, FCCA, co-founder of the Africa Fintech Summit;Shonique D.Thomas, MBA-HRM, Senior Manager, Microsoft;Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Chief Ideation Leader, The Futures Forum and Futurist Advisor to the Vice President for International Affairs, Morgan State University.

With AI still an emerging technology, there is a critical window for governments, businesses and diaspora professionals to help shape AI systems that reflect diverse perspectives and promote inclusive growth, he stressed.

Cybastion, which leads digital transformation projects across Africa, has started integrating AI into its work. AI-enabled tools are leveraged to improve digital infrastructure and e-government platforms, strengthen cybersecurity systems, and improve digital service delivery.

Through the Africa DigiEmpower workforce training program, Cybastion equips African youth and women with digital skills in AI, data science and cybersecurity. The training program includes AI Tech Camps that prepare the next generation of technology professionals to thrive in a digital economy.

Panelists agreed that the African diaspora has an important role to play in bringing together expertise and investment and ensuring that AI is harnessed to drive innovation.

Dr Patricia Jackson, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Defense and Intelligence at Cybastion andJoséline Ouédraogo, the CFO attended the event on the Hill.

Newly introduced legislation,African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), was highlighted throughout the event on the Hill. The legislation aims to reduce remittance costs, boost diaspora-led investment, and align U.S. policy with the strength of African and Caribbean communities.
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