The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
Bulawayo-based company, Genesys Corporation has ventured into artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security tailored-solutions, for different sectors of the economy ,as Zimbabwe continues to rapidly adopt technology for different platforms.
This comes at a time when the Government introduced the Cyber and Data Protection Act, with industry experts saying the introduction of the Act was inevitable as it would regulate the use of technology in businesses.
In an interview, Genesys Corporation chief executive officer, Mr Louis Herbst, who is also the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter past vice-president, said digitalisation, in line with global trends, has resulted in an increase in cyber crimes.
“Cases of data breach, which is defined as a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, or unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored, or otherwise processed have been on the increase, not only in Zimbabwe but globally. This has been as a result of the advent of the digital era, where business is being done using technology,” he said.
He said as a company, they will be hosting the Genesys 2024 (Gen24) Matabeleland Annual Conference, from 22 to 24 April in Bulawayo, as they move to revolutionise technological solutions for businesses and industries, with a follow-up series of one-to-one business meetings in Harare until 2 May.
Mr Herbst said the premier event will bring together a diverse array of information and communications technology (ICT) students, industry leaders, technology experts, innovators and entrepreneurs from across the globe to delve into cutting-edge technological solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses and industries.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC)
“Themed: “Customised Technology Solutions for Sustainable Growth and Development”, the conference will shine a spotlight on AI and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the mining, agriculture, banking and security sectors.
“These industries stand to benefit significantly from the innovative applications of AI and enhanced cyber-security measures, which can drive efficiency, productivity and security in their operations,” said Mr Herbst.
He said in the mining sector, AI technologies offer the potential to optimise processes, improve safety and increase productivity.
While, by harnessing the power of AI algorithms and data analytics, mining companies could enhance exploration, extraction and resource management practices, leading to more sustainable and profitable operations.
In agriculture, Mr Herbst said the sector was poised for transformation through AI applications.
“From precision farming and crop monitoring to predictive analytics for weather patterns and market trends, AI can empower farmers to make data-driven decisions that optimise yields, reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability,” he said.
He said in the banking sector, cybersecurity remained a top priority as financial institutions face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
ICT
Mr Herbst said the conference will explore the latest advancements in cyber-security technologies and strategies to safeguard sensitive data, prevent fraud and ensure the trust and confidence of customers in the digital banking landscape.
He added: “Security surveillance drones will also be a key topic of discussion, highlighting their role in enhancing monitoring and security measures in various industries. These drones offer capabilities for real-time surveillance, threat detection, and emergency response, providing a valuable tool for safeguarding assets and ensuring safety in diverse environments.”
Mr Herbst said keynote speakers at the conference will include Mr Vikash Sharma of Zenerative Minds from India, who is a renowned expert in AI and technology solutions.
He said the conference was in line with President Mnangagwa’s drive on ICT and technology advancements for the attainment of Vision 2030.
