The necessity for technology in a CA’s career
Today everything is the Internet. Artificial Intelligence (AI), however, is as big as the Industrial Revolution in its impact. To compare AI to the something like the Internet would be to underestimate it. Where we are now is (similar to) 1850: what did the Industrial Revolution mean to jobs back then? Everything …’ – to paraphrase Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet, Zimbabwe’s leading telecoms company, in a conversation about AI and Africa, with James Manyika, Google’s SVP of Research, Technology & Society.
As a chartered accountant working in technology, this conversation highlighted several points for me. Firstly, while it’s clear that every industry is on the brink of exponential change, this needs to be led in an orderly and inclusive fashion. I believe CAs are well-placed to lead in this era. We possess the intellectual aptitude, leadership ability and integrity necessary to make the transition from ‘1850 to 2023’ on Mr Masiyiwa’s scale of maturity.
Secondly, CAs must view their careers through the lens of where in technology they will work or how their careers will evolve with AI, because it will be integral to everything.
Thirdly, a reverence for technology is vital for CAs, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa (46 out of 55 African countries). According to a global 2023 GSMA report, The Mobile Economy: ‘The connectivity gap is the greatest in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 75% versus the global average of 43%.’ This is the gap between those connected to the Internet and those who are not, either due to a lack of coverage or a lack of connectivity despite having coverage. Loosely translated: 7 in 10 Sub-Saharan Africans do not have coverage and or access to the mobile Internet, while 4 in 10 people in other parts of the world do not have coverage and or access. (Although the statistics for South Africa differ slightly, this still illustrates a significant digital divide.)
I believe this illustrates a great opportunity for inclusive growth. Mobile operators in South Africa have done well to expand coverage to most parts of South Africa, yet there is more we can achieve in increasing mobile internet usage and embedding digital literacy in everything we do, so that no one is left behind.
CAs can do great work in technology. The focus for us should not only be using AI but also actively participating in its design and implementation. We have a place and a voice to ensure that these technologies deliver on helping us build the South Africa we want: an ethical society, led by inclusive growth for everyone who lives in it.
References are available on request.
