MTN Eswatini's Executive Head for Enterprise Business Unit, Wandile Dlamini, emphasized that businesses should focus on creating practical value through artificial intelligence (AI) rather than just adopting the technology. Speaking at the company's ICT Seminar, Dlamini noted that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but is already influencing various aspects of businesses and individuals. The seminar, held at the Royal Villas, focused on "Digital Transformation: The Transformative Potential of AI."
Dlamini highlighted that the question is no longer whether AI will affect businesses, but how companies choose to respond to its impact. He stressed that businesses need to determine where AI can create real value for their organizations, employees, customers, and communities. With new AI tools and claims emerging weekly, Dlamini identified the challenge as identifying relevant developments for individual businesses.
The seminar brought together academics, experts from the MTN Group, practitioners using AI solutions, and business leaders operating in the local market. Dlamini challenged business leaders to consider one practical change they could make in their businesses over the next 12 months. He emphasized the importance of prioritization when considering technology investments, given that organizations generally have more ideas and opportunities than resources.
Dlamini encouraged business leaders to ask two key questions when considering an AI solution: What problem does this solve for my business, and are my people and data ready for it? He compared AI tools to a capable intern, noting that they can work quickly and generate ideas but can also produce incorrect information confidently. Therefore, AI-generated work still needs human review and accountability.
MTN aims to position itself as a preferred ICT partner by helping businesses understand technological changes and how these can support their operations. Dlamini noted that customers do not buy connectivity for its own sake but for what it allows them to do. The same applies to AI, he said.
Dlamini, who is currently studying towards an MBA, reinforced the importance of considering both business problems and organizational readiness when adopting AI. He emphasized that successful AI adoption is not simply about selecting the right technology but about having the right people and decisions around it. AI may be global, but its impact is felt locally, in businesses, with people.
The MTN Eswatini Executive Head concluded that businesses should focus on leveraging AI to create practical value and drive digital transformation. By doing so, companies can ensure that technology serves the business strategy and does not quietly become the strategy.
Key points
- Businesses should focus on creating practical value through AI adoption rather than just adopting the technology.
