iAfrikan BYTES

iAfrikan Media

iAfrikan BYTES features commentary on Afrikan technology news, insights, opinion and analysis with tech industry leaders and professionals. The podcasts are from interviews conducted by iAfrikan.con staff whether at events or when needed for commentary.

  1. 2 JUL

    Giving Voice To The Machine: Prof Mpho Primus On African Languages, AI, And Ethics

    In this episode of iAfrikan Bytes, we sit down with Prof Mpho Primus, Co-Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems at the University of Johannesburg and founder of Primus Tech Hub, to explore how language, ethics, and immersive technology are shaping Africa’s digital future. She shares her journey from linguistics to AI, highlighting how African languages can drive machine learning. Her work publishing Sesotho, Setswana, and Sepedi datasets is a vital step towards inclusive NLP systems that truly understand African users. We also dive into the Metaverse Research Unit’s virtual recreation of Sophiatown, blending culture, memory, and technology, and how strong data ethics frameworks help keep such innovation meaningful and responsible.

    17 min

  2. 25 JUN

    Inside CSIR’s Cybersecurity Mission With Dr. Jabu Motsweni

    In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we speak with Dr Jabu Motsweni, Chief Researcher and Centre Manager at the Information and Cyber Security centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He unpacks South Africa’s approach to cybersecurity and the innovations shaping the continent’s digital resilience. From secure identity systems and state policy collaboration to the urgent need for local cybersecurity skills, Dr Motsweni offers insights into building tech that truly serves Africa. Recorded live at IndabaX 2024 at the University of the Witwatersrand.

    13 min

  3. 19 MAY

    Hubs Of Impact: Prof Lynn Morris On How Wits University Is Fusing Research, AI And Innovation

    Recorded at IndabaX South Africa 2024, Prof Lynn Morris of Wits University shares how research, AI, and innovation can anchor Africa’s future. From immersive tech to digital hubs, she outlines Wits bold vision for ethical, impactful research. A must listen for anyone invested in African Innovation.

    8 min

  4. 24 MAR

    Inside MIND: Prof Benjamin Rosman On Africa’s Robotics Leap And The Rise Of Lightweight Machines

    In In this episode of iAfrikan Bytes, we sit down with Professor Benjamin Rosman, Director of the newly launched Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery Institute (MIND) at Wits University, to unpack the future of robotics and machine learning in Africa. Rosman dives deep into developments at the intersection of AI and robotics, from cutting-edge research to real-world applications. He compares Africa’s advancements to global players like Boston Dynamics and Unitree, offering a grounded but optimistic view of the continent’s potential to lead in select niches. The conversation explores both hardware and software breakthroughs, with a strong emphasis on the commercial opportunities that lightweight robots can bring to Africa’s SMME landscape. Rosman makes a powerful case for why robotics isn’t just a high-tech dream, it’s an actionable pathway for innovation, job creation, and solving local challenges.

    16 min

  5. 13 MAR

    Inside Alphawave: CEO Frans Meyer On AI, Investment And The SKA Project’s Role In Engineering

    In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, Frans Meyer, CEO of Alphawave, shares the company’s evolution from antenna engineering to becoming a key player in AI and advanced technology. He explores AI-driven startups, the SKA project, and the challenges of scaling founder led businesses. With AI and ML transforming engineering, Meyer emphasises the need for talent development and equipping engineers for the future. Recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa, at Wits University IndabaX 2024. Listen now for insights into AI, Investment, and Innovation

    14 min

  6. 6 MAR

    Pelonomi Moiloa On AI, Data, And Africa’s Next Leap

    Tune in to iAfrikan BYTES as we sit down with Pelonomi Moiloa, CEO and co-founder of Lelapa AI, at Indaba X South Africa to explore the future of AI on the continent. She delves into the urgent need for foundational AI and ML skills, the shift from research to commercialization, and the role of ethical data use in Africa’s technological self-sufficiency. Moiloa also unpacks the risks of AI hallucinations and the importance of building language technologies that truly reflect Africa’s diversity. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how Lelapa AI and initiatives like Indaba X are ensuring Africa doesn’t just participate in the AI revolution but leads it.

    13 min

  7. 26/11/2024

    Is Bytefuse The Key To Solving Big Challenges? Greg Newman On AI’s Transformative Vision

    AI isn’t just about futuristic promises, it’s about tackling real-world challenges today. In this episode of iAfrikan Bytes, Greg Newman, CEO of Bytefuse, unpacks how his company is creating AI solutions that transform industries like transport and education. Bytefuse’s work in reinforcement learning is revolutionizing traffic systems, even as they navigate the financial hurdles faced by cash-strapped municipalities. Newman explains how their innovative business model ensures their cutting-edge technology reaches those who need it most. In education, Bytefuse is training large language models (LLMs) to create personalized AI tutors, making tailored, high-quality learning accessible to all. With R55 million in funding from Novus Holdings, Newman shares how Bytefuse is scaling its operations to deliver greater impact. His insights reveal a company deeply committed to leveraging AI for transformative change. WATCH the full episode on iAfrikan Bytes to learn how Bytefuse is turning challenges into opportunities and shaping the future of AI.

    15 min

  8. 26/11/2024

    The Fight For AI: Abeba Birhane On Bias, Big Tech, And Africa’s Role

    What does it take to create Artificial Intelligence (AI) that serves humanity rather than exploits it? In this unmissable episode of the iAfrikan Bytes, cognitive scientist and Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in AI honoree, Abeba Birhane, dives deep into the pressing ethical challenges and groundbreaking opportunities in AI. Abeba brings a fresh, African perspective to the global AI conversation, shedding light on its potential to amplify indigenous languages and preserve cultural heritage. But she doesn’t shy away from tough truths calling out Big Tech’s dominance, exposing the risks of biased datasets, and warning of AI’s role in widening inequality if left unchecked. “AI has the power to empower or exploit. We need to take control of its narrative, especially as Africans,” says Abeba. This is more than just a podcast, it’s a call to action for African scholars, innovators and anyone who believes in a fair, inclusive tech future. Abeba’s insights will challenge your thinking and inspire you to see AI as a tool for change not just profit. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.

    21 min
See All (76)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

iAfrikan BYTES features commentary on Afrikan technology news, insights, opinion and analysis with tech industry leaders and professionals. The podcasts are from interviews conducted by iAfrikan.con staff whether at events or when needed for commentary.

Information

  • Creator
    iAfrikan Media
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © iAfrikan Media. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    iAfrikan BYTES

More From iAfrikan Media