by Kgothatso Monono
AI Expo Africa, the largest AI-focused event in Africa that annually brings together distinguished innovators, business leaders and tech experts this year illuminated the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other emerging technologies.
The 2024 event provided a deep dive into AI’s role in transforming sectors such as healthcare, finance and agriculture, while also offering opportunities for professionals to network and collaborate.
AI Expo Africa has become an important platform for showcasing AI-driven solutions, sharing knowledge and forging partnerships across industries.
Prof Topside Mathonsi, Associate Professor from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, joined the event as a panellist and speaker, contributing to important conversations about AI’s impact on business, governance and cybersecurity.
A major highlight of the event was the panel discussion on AI, security and privacy. As AI adoption grows, so does the complexity of managing risks related to data security and privacy. Prof Mathonsi participated in discussions about the difficulties businesses face when balancing innovation with robust security measures. “As AI technologies evolve, the need for adaptive policies and regulatory frameworks that address emerging threats has never been more urgent,” he said.
In addition to his panel participation, Prof Mathonsi delivered a presentation on “The Impact of Generative AI on Cybersecurity: Fighting Machines with Machines”, exploring the dual-edged nature of generative AI. According to him it offers tremendous potential for innovation, but also creates new opportunities for cybercriminals. AI-generated attacks, such as deepfakes and automated phishing schemes, become more sophisticated daily, making them harder to detect and counter.
Prof Mathonsi also discussed the use of AI in defence. “AI-powered cybersecurity tools, such as advanced threat hunting and automated incident response, can help organisations identify and mitigate threats faster than traditional methods. However, as AI continues to evolve, organisations must not drop their guard. They should continuously update their defences,” he added.
According to Prof Mathonsi the conversations highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address the complex challenges AI poses, especially in terms of security and privacy.
“AI’s rapid advancement demands a unified approach to ensure it is deployed ethically and responsibly, with a focus on protecting sensitive data,” he concluded.
From left: Marc Nel – Fortinet
Nathan-Ross Adams – ITLaw
Associate Professor
Topside Mathonsi - IT TUT
Manav Daby - Google