How AI is Shaping the Future of Telecommunications in Africa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sure to have a significant impact on almost every area of business and personal life, not only in the developed world, but here in Africa too. Telecommunications in Africa are already feeling the impact of AI and will continue to do so in the future. Telecom providers on the continent are using AI as a differentiator in a competitive market in which consumer spending power is relatively weak. The impact of AI on African telecoms is such that the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimates that it could inject more than US$1 trillion into the continental economy by 2030.

AI Strategies for Future-Proofing Telecommunications in Africa

Telcos will need to intensify the integration of AI technologies into their systems to improve customer experience, retain users, and offer value-added services in the coming years. They will need to adapt quickly to technological developments and changing consumer demands in order to remain productive and profitable over time. AI can also help to resolve potential performance issues and guarantee streamlined, optimised service on a large scale. Many telcos are likely to migrate to AI platforms soon, in addition to adopting Cloud computing technologies to improve operational efficiency across their networks. AI-based software is being developed to accommodate users and their requirements, providing adaptive and responsive solutions to rapidly developing user requirements.

How African Telcos are Leveraging AI for Network Optimisation

It is important to note, however, that the possibilities of AI extend so much further than customer service. African telcos currently experience two main challenges when it comes to network optimisation:

• reactive maintenance, which leads to excessive downtime; and
• inefficient resource allocation.

AI and machine learning can help to solve these problems and make for more effective and efficient networks. These technologies will enable proactive problem detection, which will enable pre-emptive repairs and maintenance, thus reducing downtime. They can also help to improve resource allocation, as the AI and ML algorithms can forecast network traffic patterns and allow service providers to allocate resources efficiently, often in real time or close to it. Troubleshooting and reactive maintenance can also become a lot more responsive and efficient with the help of AI.

Challenges in Developing and Adopting AI in Africa

Although AI is making inroads into the African telecom market, there are still some considerable barriers to adoption. The shortage of high-speed network infrastructure and problems with electricity delivery in large parts of the continent makes it more difficult to deploy AI in the region. However, there has been a sizeable investment into connectivity infrastructure, and these are likely to show positive results in the near future, clearing the way for significant AI utility across the continent’s networks. AFR-IX is Africa’s leading internet service provider for enterprises and other organisations on the African continent. We are playing a central role in modernising and future-proofing telecommunications in Africa. Contact us for more information about our solutions.