EP.08 | Reinventing Africa: Accenture on AI, Access, and the Urgency to Transform

The TechAfrica News Podcast

In this episode of the TechAfrica News Podcast, Chief Editor and Founder, Akim Benamara, sits down with Nitesh Marcel Singh, Managing Director for Communications, Media, and Technology at Accenture, for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of digital transformation across the continent. With over 20 years in telecom and technology, Singh brings sharp insights into AI adoption, data readiness, and enterprise reinvention in Africa.

From falling telco margins to the cost of devices, Singh explores the barriers holding Africa back—and what it will take to move forward. Can Africa build the infrastructure, skills, and policy environment to lead in the digital era?

About Our Guest
Nitesh Singh is Managing Director for Communications, Media, and Technology at Accenture Africa. With over two decades in the sector, he has led key digital transformation efforts across the continent and champions data, AI, and cloud as strategic pillars for growth.

AI as a Strategic Tool, not a Trend
Singh shares Accenture’s “total enterprise reinvention” model, anchored on a digital core of AI, cloud, and structured data. Many African firms, he notes, still lack a clear AI strategy or business case to realise meaningful value.

Data as the Bedrock of Progress
AI cannot succeed without clean, structured data. Singh warns that many organisations overlook this prerequisite—and highlights the urgent need for data science and engineering talent to bridge the gap.

Recasting the Telco Sector’s Role
Telcos are central to Africa’s digital growth but remain heavily constrained by taxes and regulation. He stresses the need for policy reform.

"The problem in Africa is regulation. The regulatory frameworks are not conducive to telcos. A sector that's connecting population groups and leading to GDP is paying too much tax. Governments across Africa are seeing this the wrong way. Instead of levying more taxes, they should actually lower taxes, get them to connect their populations more, and there'll be more growth rather than see it as a cash cow to extract out of the telco. So, the government regulatory framework is a problem." - Nitesh Singh, Managing Director for Communications, Media, and Technology, Accenture

The Device Divide and Local Manufacturing
Affordability remains a barrier to access. With little local production of smartphones or infrastructure, he calls for investment in manufacturing to cut costs, build skills, and unlock new economic opportunities.

On Education, Learning, and the Next Generation
To keep pace, Singh urges a shift in how young people are taught to learn—with AI as a tool, not a crutch. He advocates early exposure to technology alongside a focus on informatics, engineering, and maths.

Governance, Policy, and the Need for Continental Alignment
From visa restrictions to outdated regulations, Singh highlights how policy misalignment is stalling progress. He calls for unified goals, measurable national KPIs, and more accountability across governments.

This episode was filmed on: 12 November 2024 in Cape Town

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Chapters

1. EP.08 | Reinventing Africa: Accenture on AI, Access, and the Urgency to Transform (00:00:00)

2. AI Hype vs. Real Understanding (00:01:10)

3. Data Structure and Skills Gap (00:06:31)

4. AI in Telco Network Optimization (00:13:41)

5. Digital Divide: Connectivity, Devices, and Local Manufacturing (00:18:11)

6. Policy and Regulatory Barriers to Growth (00:27:46)

7. Local Innovation and the Path Forward (00:36:21)