Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Resistance to technology is not new. Let’s embrace AI in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Brian Hungwe is a Journalist, Lawyer and Legal Scholar with research interests in Intellectual property and Innovation; AI; Constitutional & Human Rights Law; Arbitration; Delict and Public International Law.
An Associated Press story by Jim Lawrence published in 1966 was trending online last month. It carries a picture of teachers in Washington, United States protesting against the use of calculators in schools.
They called students demanding the use of calculators ‘calcuholics.’ Protestors argued students were needlessly addicted to calculators to solve simple mathematics problems.
In the story – John Saxon, a maths textbook writer argued that students didn’t need calculators until they took algebra and trigonometry.
But mathematics Professor Leland Webb from California State College at Bakersfield however argued that: “Calculators are important in the teaching of mathematics… calculators are not designed to supplant the basic understanding of basic concepts and basic skills.”
This is how far the world has come. There are always mixed feelings to technology. Intense suspicion and often outright rejection. It’s because of its disruptive nature and imagined repercussions of the same.
Some of the concerns are understandable, though misplaced. When Econet Wireless founder Strive Masiyiwa sought to introduce cellphones in Zimbabwe in the late 90s, the hostility from the state was breathtaking.
A minister told me at the material time that cellphone gargets were threat to national security. Moreso that they would create serious complications in the combat of crime.
Constant effective monitoring would be difficult, the minister argued, if half the population clung to little gadgets coordinating the commission of crimes. Four decades later, the story is completely different.
The anti-‘calcuholics’ Washington demonstration message would have made abundant sense to some in the 1960s. Six decade later, people are having fun at that demonstration.
Former University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng posted the ‘calcuholics’ – story on her Facebook page, and amusingly stated that: “Once upon a time, teachers protested calculators.
“They marched, picketed and warned that technology would destroy learning.”
That was in the 60s. We now have Generation Z. She lamented that: “The same fear surrounds AI in schools and universities. But here’s the truth: Every innovation is first rejected, and then questioned, then embraced and eventually… it becomes essential.”
Taking lessons from history, she said: “Calculators didn’t end education, they expanded it. AI will do the same. The future belongs to the informed, the curious and the early adopters.”
Responding to the same, Sibongile Maseko said; “The truth remains I am dependent on calculators. I now struggle to count without using a calculator. .. There are analysts who no longer know how to analyze without the help of AI. Even doctors now carry tablets.”
Undoubtedly, there were also similar concerns around the Internet too. Phakeng wrote that: “University academics warned that the internet would “destroy learning”.
Many professors argued that students would stop reading books, they said information online was “unreliable”, the internet would make students “lazy” and research quality would collapse.”
But nothing has changed. The state policy frameworks across the world will be hollow and meaningless without STEM education focus. This is so because “every innovation has its naysayers and often it is the most educated among us,” she said.
I enjoyed reading MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita’s speech after University of Johannesburg Robotics Prof Arthur Mutambara launched his book, ‘Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Achieve UN SDGs’.
His speech addressed the vulnerabilities of refusing to embrace technology. While some remain sceptical about AI; its digital footprints are being strongly felt on the global stock exchanges, creating combined trillion dollar companies particular in the US and China.
MTN is the largest mobile network operator in Africa. It is already using AI to optimise its networks, predict maintenance needs, and improve customer experience through intelligent virtual assistants.
Mupita said: “We are exploring AI-driven solutions to enhance digital identity, combat fraud, and support small businesses with smart insights. Every one of these innovations pushes us closer to the SDGs— reducing inequality, driving growth, and improving lives.”
The statistics coming from one of the big four audit confirms this. PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study reports that AI can transform global productivity and economic activity and is predicted to add US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Mupita noted: “Assuming Africa captures 10% of the global AI market, a recent SAP report projects that AI could add US$1.5 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030.”
The same SAP report predicts that 230 million new digital jobs will be created in Africa by 2030, while Statista projects that the AI market in Africa could reach US$4.51 billion in 2025 and grow to US$18.7 billion by 2030.
All these are fascinating statistics putting some glimmer of hope.
Notwithstanding, there are huge expectations and costs around this. Mupita added: “bridging Africa’s digital divide will require an estimated $100 billion+ in ICT infrastructure investment this decade … This includes expanding broadband networks (to underserved areas and upgrading power grids to support them.”
Instead of retreating from AI, there are accompanying calls for African governments to allocate significant AI budgets to help drive innovation. Reluctance carries its own economic implications.
When US president Donald Trump was hosted by King Charles 111 last year in a white-tie state banquet at Windsor Castle, the room was laden with AI tech executives.
They can’t be ignored anymore. Mupita is careful to warn us against: “The risks of digital imperialism, data colonialism, and technological exclusion.”
Not anymore. He suggested that “Africa cannot afford to be a passive consumer in the AI revolution – Africans cannot be a 2nd class citizen – Africa cannot be left behind. We must be co-creators—shaping AI that is fit-for purpose, inclusive, and grounded in our languages, cultures, and realities.”
This is important especially given that Africa is home to over 2,000 distinct languages. However the sad reality is that fewer than 2% are currently supported by mainstream Large Language Models. Which explain the clarion call to address the deepening the digital divide, and serve the linguistic realities of most Africans.