So much talk about Google as the leading search engine technology company and its focus on artificial intelligence (AI). For all the hype around this, how does AI work and what does it do? And most importantly, what economic opportunities does AI present, including enabling current and future generations to live in a more prosperous, healthy, secure and sustainable world? Or conversely, how do we curb the spread of illegal and harmful content with unfair bias and abuse?
These are some of the topics that will be discussed when the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosts the Google Africa Internet Academy, one of the premier annual events on the continent. The two-day workshop will bring together business and technology leaders from across Africa. They will discuss the latest trends in technology policy and regulation and provide valuable content and opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and other target groups in technology and related fields.
The first Google Africa Internet Academy was held at Wits University in 2016, while Strathmore University in Mauritius and United States International University (USIU-Africa) hosted the second and third events in 2017 and 2021, respectively. The fourth was recently held in Kenya in May this year. UJ’s Centre for Data and Digital Communication and the Artificial Institute of Intelligence, in collaboration with the University’s Johannesburg Business School (JBS) will host the fifth edition of this event this year, between 11 – 12 September 2023.
Says Google SA Country Director, Dr Alistair Mokoena: “The increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) has fast-tracked the need for conversations between all stakeholders to look at the benefits of AI as well as the policy guardrails to mitigate risks. The University of Johannesburg’s pioneering work and agility in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) space makes the institution a valuable partner for collaborative initiatives in this field. The Google Africa Internet Academy is one such collaboration, and we look forward to this event at UJ”.
Other topics include collection and use of personal information, people’s ability to understand and control how their data is used, as well as the impact of data-driven technologies on people and society. UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, is excited about UJ hosting the Google Africa Internet Academy. “Our university has been at the cutting edge of technology and has, on many instances, been driving innovative advancements. As a leading company in artificial intelligence, Google’s strategy is closely aligned with UJ’s strategic objective of innovation for societal impact and sustainability. We are thrilled to be hosting the fifth edition of this event, and we hope it will provide valuable insights and opportunities in the field.”
The event is scheduled as follows:
Date: September 11 – 12 2023
Venue: JBS Park, 69 Kingsway Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Time: 09:00
Media are invited to attend.
Issued by:
Lebogang Seale
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
University of Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 559 6198
For Media Enquiries and to RSVP, contact:
Mpiletso Motumi
Media Relations
University of Johannesburg
Tel: + 27 11 559 6463
Email: mmotumi@uj.ac.za