UJ Thought Leaders at the Forefront of AI at CNBC Africa Summit
August 14, 2025
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) took a leading role at the first CNBC Africa Artificial Intelligence Summit on 14 August 2025, held at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg. Over 300 professionals from industry, government, and research gathered to discuss AI’s growing influence across Africa’s key sectors. UJ was represented by three leading academics: Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi; Associate Professor Kat Yassim from Education Leadership and Management; and Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara, Director of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge. Their contributions highlighted UJ’s commitment to advancing AI through research, policy guidance, and education.
The event began with a keynote from H.E. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. He stressed the need for cooperation between government, academia, and industry to promote AI that drives inclusive growth while protecting ethics, privacy, and digital rights. His address set a practical and forward-looking tone for the summit.
A National Voice on AI Regulation
Professor Mpedi appeared in a televised discussion with CNBC Africa’s Editor-in-Chief Godfrey Mutizwa on The AI Regulatory Landscape: Balancing Innovation and Compliance. He emphasized the challenge of encouraging innovation alongside strong ethical and legal frameworks. “We need to empower regulators and policymakers so they fully grasp the challenges — only then can we make real progress,” he said. His input positioned UJ as both an academic leader and a key voice in shaping AI policy in South Africa and across Africa.
Redefining Education for an AI-Driven Future
Associate Professor Yassim took part in a panel discussion on AI in Education: Personalised Learning and Future-Ready Skills, moderated by Alexander Leibner. She explained how UJ integrates AI tools throughout teaching and learning, from classrooms to lifelong education. “Many universities have taken a cautious approach to AI — except the University of Johannesburg. We’ve embraced AI boldly while maintaining ethical standards so students can learn, innovate, and contribute positively,” she said. Yassim pointed out that AI is already part of everyday life, making it essential to focus on responsible use rather than banning it. “The goal is to teach responsible AI use to support ongoing learning and idea expansion.” Her perspective highlights UJ’s role in preparing students for careers in a tech-driven world.
Building AI Through Knowledge and Infrastructure
In a session on Powering AI: Cloud, Infrastructure and Scalability, Professor Mutambara discussed the critical infrastructure behind AI—computing power, data systems, and cloud technology. “AI doesn’t run on air or water — it runs on infrastructure,” he said. Using examples like Cassava’s partnership with NVIDIA to bring GPUs to Africa, he stressed the importance of local control over AI infrastructure for economic benefits and cybersecurity. “To truly benefit, Africa needs a clear strategy for AI infrastructure. Relying on external systems leaves us exposed and limits growth.” He also called for a regional and continental approach to AI capacity-building. “No country can train large AI models alone; we must pool our talent and resources to compete globally.”
Driving Africa’s AI Progress
UJ’s involvement reflects its aim to lead discussions on AI’s ethical, practical, and social impacts. By contributing expertise in regulation, education, and infrastructure, the University supports AI as a tool for inclusive development and societal benefit. As AI transforms economies and communities, UJ’s academics are not just responding to change — they are shaping it.
For educators interested in integrating AI tools and frameworks into their teaching strategies, exploring targeted AI courses can be a valuable next step. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses by job role offer practical guidance tailored for education professionals seeking to expand their AI skills.
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