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AI Adoption: A Client’s Journey to Overcoming Barriers

AI and marketing have merged in MTN telecommunications’ marketing division!

A renowned consultancy focused on technology, Sthenos Centerra, recognized the need to include public interest concepts in its strategy for client, MTN. Sthenos partnered with Techcess Granted to develop a public-friendly approach to AI implementation in marketing.


This collaboration aimed to tackle the formidable barriers faced by Nigerian businesses aspiring to enter the AI marketing space while keeping the implications for society at the top of their minds. This partnership is a testament to innovation, cultural understanding, and strategic foresight.

The Challenge

Nigerian businesses face several barriers when attempting to enter the AI marketing domain:

  1. Lack of Infrastructure: Limited access to advanced technological infrastructure is a significant hurdle. As per the World Bank’s collection of development indicators, Nigeria still grapples with fundamental infrastructural challenges, impacting digital growth (World Bank, 2022).
  2. Skill Gap: The workforce has a notable gap in AI-specific skills. The UNESCO Science Report (2021) highlights the skill gap in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for educational reforms to meet technological advancements.
  3. Funding Constraints: Access to funding is another critical barrier. The African Development Bank Group (2020) discusses the financial challenges startups face in Africa, particularly in tech-driven sectors.
  4. Regulatory Environment: The complexities of the Nigerian regulatory framework can be daunting for businesses trying to adopt new technologies like AI. The Brookings Institution (2019) provides insights into the regulatory challenges in African markets.

The Strategy

The partnership between Techcess Granted and Sthenos is structured around a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Building Infrastructure: They aim to develop a robust technological ecosystem, facilitating access to AI tools and platforms for Nigerian businesses.
  2. Skill Development Programs: Initiating training programs and workshops to bridge the AI skill gap, focusing on practical, industry-relevant skills.
  3. Facilitating Funding: Working with local and international investors to create funding opportunities for AI ventures.
  4. Navigating Regulatory Frameworks: Offering expertise in understanding and complying with local regulations, making the transition into AI marketing smoother for businesses.

The Impact

This partnership is poised to create a ripple effect:

  • Empowering Local Businesses: By equipping them with AI capabilities, local businesses can compete globally.
  • Economic Growth: The infusion of AI in marketing can lead to more efficient business practices, driving economic growth.
  • Job Creation: As the AI sector grows, it will create new job opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Techcess Granted and Sthenos Centerra is more than a business venture; it’s a catalyst for change in the Nigerian AI landscape. Addressing the core barriers with a targeted approach is more than just paving the way for businesses to enter the AI marketing space. Still, they are also contributing to the technological empowerment of Nigeria.

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AI: A Game-Changer for Business Growth

AI is emerging as a crucial ally for business owners, taking over mundane tasks and paving the way for innovation and growth. By automating routine processes, AI enhances efficiency and frees entrepreneurs to focus on more strategic, creative aspects of their business.

Transforming Mundane to Exceptional

AI’s ability to handle repetitive tasks is transforming how businesses operate. Predictive text software, for instance, is an excellent example of AI easing the burden of writing tasks. It learns writing patterns, enabling more straightforward communication and effective lead conversion. This AI application is precious for businesses where writing is a frequent necessity, allowing professionals to focus on the content’s creativity and strategy rather than writing mechanics​​.

Streamlining Operations

AI’s impact is also evident in operational tasks like billing and invoicing. Companies are utilizing AI to automate their invoice approval and creation process. This automation saves significant time and effort, which can be redirected toward customer service improvement and business development strategies​​.

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Enhancing Customer Experience in Healthcare

In healthcare, startups like Aiva are using AI to revolutionize patient care. By integrating Alexa-powered platforms, they enable patients to interact with nurses and control in-house entertainment, enhancing the overall patient experience and allowing healthcare providers to allocate more time to critical care​​.

Fighting Financial Crime Efficiently

AI is employed in the financial sector to detect and prevent fraud. Machine learning algorithms identify unusual transaction patterns, which are then reviewed by human experts. This system improves the accuracy of fraud detection and allows financial professionals to focus on more complex, high-value tasks​​.

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Making Social Media Management Effortless

Social media management, a time-intensive task for businesses, is made effortless by AI. AI software can search and post relevant content, automating a significant part of social media strategies and allowing businesses to concentrate on interactive and innovative content creation​​.

Personalizing Customer Experiences

AI’s role in creating personalized user experiences is a testament to its versatility. Sophisticated AI models analyze website content to tailor user experiences, ensuring visitors receive content aligned with their interests. This level of personalization was previously unattainable without significant human input​​.

Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Quick Cost Estimation

In manufacturing, AI is revolutionizing cost estimation processes. Particularly in injection molding, AI’s quick cost estimation capability gives businesses a competitive edge by providing faster responses to customer inquiries, allowing more time for quality control and innovation​​.

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The integration of AI in handling mundane tasks represents a paradigm shift in business operations. By automating routine processes, AI boosts efficiency and opens new avenues for creativity and strategic thinking. Now unburdened from the chains of repetitive tasks, business owners can redirect their focus towards growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to reshape the business landscape becomes increasingly evident, making it an indispensable tool for any forward-thinking entrepreneur.

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Diversity in Technology

Diversity in technology, especially the inclusion of minority voices, is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for the following reasons:

  • Broader Perspectives: Diverse teams bring various experiences and viewpoints, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
  • Avoiding Bias: Technology developed in a homogenous environment can inadvertently perpetuate biases. The inclusion of diverse voices helps in identifying and mitigating these biases.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Minority perspectives can ensure that technology is culturally sensitive and does not offend or alienate certain groups.
  • Equitable Access: Diverse input helps in creating technology that is accessible and beneficial to a broader range of people, not just a privileged few.
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Why Minority Voices Matter in Public Interest Technology:

Minority voices are often underrepresented in technology development, leading to a lack of understanding and consideration of the challenges faced by these communities. Their involvement in PIT can lead to:

  • Greater Empathy: Understanding the unique challenges different communities face ensures that technology solutions are empathetic and tailored to real-world needs.
  • Social Justice: Including minority voices in technology can help address historical injustices and inequalities, leading to more equitable societies.
  • Innovative Problem-Solving: Minority groups often have unique insights into specific societal challenges, leading to innovative approaches to problem-solving.
  • Economic Opportunities: Involving diverse groups in technology creation creates economic opportunities and promotes a more inclusive economy.

Involving minority groups in technology assessments is crucial for creating inclusive and equitable technological solutions. By incorporating approaches like participatory design, community-based interviews, and focus groups, technology assessments can become more inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are shared equitably across all segments of society. This leads to better technology outcomes and fosters a more inclusive and just technological future.

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Public Interest Technology: Embracing Diversity for a More Inclusive Future

Public Interest Technology (PIT) has emerged as a crucial framework. At its core, PIT is about harnessing the power of technology to serve the greater good, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all segments of society. This article explores the critical concepts of Public Interest Technology. It underscores the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives, predominantly minority voices, in shaping the technological landscape.

Understanding Public Interest Technology: Public Interest Technology is a multidisciplinary field that intersects technology, public policy, and social impact. It involves the design, implementation, and management of technology solutions that prioritize public welfare and social justice. Key concepts in PIT include:

  • Ethical Technology Development: Ensuring that technology is developed with ethical considerations at its forefront, avoiding harm and prioritizing human rights.
  • Accessibility and Inclusivity: Creating technology that is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, ability, or geographic location.
  • Public Policy and Governance: Integrating technology into public policy in a way that addresses societal challenges and promotes equitable outcomes.
  • Community Engagement: Involving communities in the development and deployment of technologies to ensure they meet the actual needs of the people.
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Public Interest Technology represents a paradigm shift in how we approach technology development, focusing on societal welfare and ethical considerations. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, especially from minority communities, is not just beneficial but essential in ensuring that technology serves the public interest in an equitable and just manner. As we continue advancing technologically, we must prioritize diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that technology is a tool for empowerment and progress for all members of society.

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5 Way to Use AI in Small Businesses And Why Everyone Should Take Notice

Technology is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer for businesses, big and small. AI is no longer just a luxury for large corporations. Small businesses are increasingly harnessing the power of AI to stay competitive, improve efficiency, and offer enhanced customer experiences. AI technologies, ranging from machine learning to natural language processing, are accessible tools that small businesses use to innovate, make data-driven decisions, and streamline operations. This article delves into how various small businesses across different sectors are successfully integrating AI into their daily operations.

Integrating AI in small businesses is not just a trend but a strategic move

TechcessGranted.com

1. Retail: Personalization with Bluecore

In the competitive world of e-commerce, personalization is key. Bluecore is at the forefront, offering AI-driven marketing solutions that enable small e-commerce businesses to tailor their online stores to individual customer preferences. This approach has revolutionized email campaigns and product recommendations.

2. Hospitality: The AI-Powered FlyZoo Hotel FlyZoo Hotel is redefining hospitality with its AI-powered services. From facial recognition check-ins to voice-controlled rooms and robotic room service, this small hotel chain demonstrates the potential of AI in enhancing guest experiences.

3. Healthcare: PathAI’s Diagnostic Innovations PathAI stands out in the healthcare sector by assisting pathologists in diagnosing diseases like cancer with greater accuracy. This small business’s use of AI in pathology is a significant step towards more efficient and accurate healthcare services.

4. Finance: Kabbage’s AI-Driven Lending In the financial sector, Kabbage is transforming small business lending. By using AI to analyze various data points, they provide quick and automated funding decisions, making the loan process faster and more efficient for small businesses.

5. Customer Service: Zendesk’s AI Chatbots Zendesk offers AI-powered chatbots that are a boon for small businesses. These chatbots handle customer service inquiries efficiently, reducing the need for human intervention for basic queries.


Integrating AI in small businesses is a transformative journey towards greater efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and more thoughtful decision-making. These real-world examples across various industries highlight the key benefits of AI: improved accuracy in operations, personalized customer engagement, and streamlined processes. For small businesses, AI is a tool for innovation and a strategic asset for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the digital age.

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Success Stories

A small coffee shop, owned by Maria, a passionate entrepreneur from an underrepresented community. Maria’s dream was to create a space that not only served great coffee but also became a hub for community activities and cultural exchange.

However, Maria faced challenges common to many small, minority-owned businesses: limited resources, tight competition, and the daunting task of effective marketing. This is where the story takes an interesting turn, thanks to the power of generative AI.

Maria learned about generative AI at a local business workshop. It’s a type of artificial intelligence that can create content – like art, music, and written material – all by itself after being trained on large datasets. Intrigued by its potential, Maria decided to give it a try.

First, she used generative AI to design unique coffee cup sleeves. She input cultural patterns and motifs representative of her community into the AI program, and it generated beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs. These sleeves became a hit, turning each coffee cup into a conversation starter and a piece of art.

Next, Maria used generative AI for social media marketing. She fed the AI information about her café and its values. The AI then created engaging posts, tailored to resonate with her community and beyond, attracting more customers who were captivated by the personalized and culturally rich content.

But Maria didn’t stop there. She used generative AI to optimize her inventory management. By analyzing sales data, the AI predicted busy periods and popular items, helping Maria stock up efficiently and reduce waste.

The impact was profound. The café transformed from a simple coffee shop into a thriving community landmark. Maria’s innovative use of generative AI not only streamlined her business operations but also allowed her to connect deeply with her customers, celebrate her heritage, and stand out in a crowded market.

This story of one café is a testament to how underrepresented communities can harness the power of generative AI to build competitive advantage, enhance efficiency, and create a unique identity in the world of business. It’s a tale of technology meeting tradition, innovation empowering communities, and a small business reaching new heights through the magic of AI.

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Understanding AI

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial Intelligence, often known as AI, is like a brain for computers, smartphones, and many other kinds of technology. It’s designed to think, learn, and make decisions in a way that usually only humans can. The main goal of AI is to make machines smart enough to help with complex tasks, analyze vast amounts of data quickly, and make our lives easier and more efficient.

How AI Works: Data Analysis and Learning

One of the most impressive things about AI is its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data much faster than a human ever could. For example, AI can look at millions of medical records in seconds to find patterns that help doctors diagnose diseases earlier. It learns from this data, improving and becoming more intelligent over time, much like how we learn from our experiences.

AI is simply “…machines acting in ways that seem intelligent.” 

Thomas Malone, Professor of Management at MIT’s Sloan School of Management

AI is like having a super-smart computer friend who can think, learn, and even make decisions almost like a human. Imagine you have a robot that can learn to clean your room just by watching you do it once and then does it for you from then on – that’s kind of what AI can do but with computer programs instead of robots.
You might not realize it, but you probably hang out with AI almost daily! Here are some ways AI is part of your daily life:

AI in Everyday Life

  • Personal Assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant): These AI-powered tools on your phone or home devices can answer questions, play music, or set reminders. They learn from your requests and preferences to provide more personalized help.
  • Social Media Feeds: Have you ever noticed how your social media platforms seem to know what you like? That’s AI, analyzing your likes, shares, and comments to tailor your feed to your interests.
  • Online Shopping Recommendations: Websites like Amazon use AI to suggest products. It analyzes your past shopping and browsing history to predict what else you might like.
  • AI in Various Fields
  • Healthcare: AI helps doctors diagnose diseases by analyzing images like X-rays or MRIs faster and more accurately.
  • Finance: In banking, AI is used for fraud detection, analyzing transactions to spot unusual patterns that could indicate fraudulent activity.
  • Transportation: Self-driving cars use AI to navigate and respond to road conditions, making decisions in real-time to ensure passenger safety.

So, AI is like a super-smart helper learning all the time to make things easier or more fun for you. And the coolest part? It’s always getting smarter and finding new ways to be part of our lives!

Learn More About AI

Plenty of resources are available online for those curious about diving deeper into the world of AI. Websites like MIT’s Introduction to AI offer comprehensive insights, and platforms like Coursera provide courses for all levels of interest and expertise.

By understanding AI and its impact on our daily lives, we can better appreciate the technology that makes modern living more efficient, safer, and enjoyable. AI isn’t just a sci-fi concept; it’s a powerful tool changing the world daily.

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AI-Powered Progress: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Propel Small Businesses

In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, the term “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) often evokes images of futuristic robots and high-tech cities. However, the true power of AI lies not in distant sci-fi scenarios but in practical, current applications that can transform everyday business operations. This blog series, “AI-Powered Progress,” is dedicated to demystifying AI and exploring how it can be a game-changer for small businesses, especially those in underrepresented communities.

Series

Throughout this series, we will unravel the complexities of AI, breaking it down into understandable segments. We aim to provide a roadmap for small business owners who may feel that AI is out of their reach, either too complex or too costly to implement. Our journey will demonstrate that AI is not only accessible but can be an incredible ally in driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

Learn More…

We’ll start with the basics, explaining what AI is and how it works. No jargon, just clear explanations.

Discover how AI is already being used in various industries and how these applications can be adapted for small businesses.

Learn how AI can handle mundane tasks, allowing business owners to focus on growth and innovation.

We’ll tackle the perceived barriers to AI adoption, from costs to the skills required, and show you how to overcome them.

Be inspired by real-life examples of small businesses that have successfully integrated AI into their operations.

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The New City

5 Reasons We Should All Pay Attention to 5G

text by Erika Chapman

When you research the future of Smart Cities, there is so much information to digest. Different domains, infrastructures, activities, stakeholders make up a complex system that is the future. Everyone needs to pay attention to the development of the smart city and its effects on our lives, especially those historically left out of the conversation.

One aspect of the smart city that is a game-changer and can be the first stop on our journey to discovering smart city emerging technologies is the fifth generation broadband cellular network technology, better known as 5G. Its profound connectivity capability, increased bandwidth, lightning download speeds, and overall improvements from 4G has put 5G at the forefront of thought and concern.

5G undeniably has the potential to be the critical enabler of a better-connected society, but how do we ensure underserved communities are not left behind or unfairly suffer the unintended consequences of this new connected society? These are the five reasons why women and underrepresented minorities need to pay attention to 5G.

  1. 5G is essential for the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT)

We will discuss IoT in future blog posts, but in short, according to IBM’s Jen Clark, IoT is the concept of connecting any device to the internet and other linked devices. For these devices to be synced and support each other in a seamless, efficient way, 5G is required.

Sriganesh Rao and Ramjee Prasad tell us in their article, Impact of 5G Technologies on Smart City Implementation, a city is a complex system involving many different domains, infrastructures, organizations, and activities. These need to be integrated and work together effectively for that city to become Smart. Women and underrepresented minorities are a considerable part of the system currently developing. As we continue to learn about 5G, envision where you fit into the system. How will this technology affect your community and circle of influence?

2. Change is Inevitable, but We Can Shape the Change

Cities must adopt more efficient technologies to maximize innovation and become more sustainable. We can either be part of the development and change by becoming informed and engaged or resist the inevitable. Smart cities will use technologies to improve transportation, public safety, water and sanitation, housing, and education. Being informed on the changes that are happening around us will empower us to voice and communicate how emerging technologies will affect the communities which we identify and reside.

3. Services and Applications in One Swipe

5G puts us one sqipe away from the services mentioned above. Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wondered if the traffic lights were working as efficiently as possible? Traffic management is a typical smart city project that uses 5G technology to help traffic flow and control light sensors. Emergency services will use 5G to improve response times, offer reliable communication, and ultimately advance citizens’ safety. Water and sanitation maintenance will be controlled by city systems connected by 5G to deliver adequate water supply and monitor and control waste collection and disposal. The information is accessible through interconnected mobile devices shown in Figure 2, adopted from Sriganesh Rao and Ramjee Prasad’s Impact of 5G Technologies on Smart City Implementation.

Figure 2 illustrates integration of various services and departments of a city, enabling data sharing amongst each other as required to provide a holistic view and control of the entire city’s functioning, making the city smart.

As systems and services we use everyday migrate to a cloud structure it is vital we are able to use the tools to better our lives. We can save money, and time by having tools work for us not against us.

4. Education– The Great Equalizer  (1+4) = 5G

The last service mentioned is education. It is an essential dimension that shapes a functional society. Pay special attention to the changes 5G brings to education. All should have access to educational opportunities. Distance to education institutions is obsolete as 5G enables high-speed remote access to classrooms. COVID-19 has given us a glimpse of the virtual capabilities of education. It has also shown us the negative impact the lack of internet access can have on underserved communities. We do not want the same skewed unintentional consequences as smart city infrastructure affirms a move towards a more remote learning environment.

5. 5G is the Future

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we all have the power to make a positive change for ourselves and those mistreated. With smart city development, we have an opportunity to write our future. The fifth-generation broadband cellular network of that future will not surprise us. We will utilize the emerging technologies associated with 5G and demand it is used for social good. Smart cities will be inclusive and benefit us all if the teams developing them are diverse, aware, and analyze the unintended consequences of their technologies.

“As the world urbanizes, sustainable development and economic growth depend increasingly on the successful management of urban growth. With the right technology — and the know-how to govern it — cities can lead the way in solving problems in energy, transportation, healthcare, education and natural disaster response, while making their communities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.”
-The Global Smart Cities Alliance

Continue the conversation with your circle of influence. Always remember, technology for social good and access for all ensures a better tomorrow.

If you would like to read more about the articles and organizations mentioned in this post, please use the links below.

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What is Techcess Granted?

Let us grant all people access to technology’s power to solve today’s most pressing problems. Techcess Granted is founded on the unwavering desire for technology to be used to better all lives, not favor some and impinge on others. It is crucial for us to imagine, design, and use technology for social good and anticipate its impact on underrepresented communities.

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Techcess Granted’s mission is to inspire underrepresented minorities and women to engage with emerging technologies, ask questions, and participate in the conversation. All voices need to be heard from software developers and engineers to civic leaders and urban residents. The responsible and ethical use of technologies cannot be done without collective action. As we explore technology together, Techcess Granted aims to break the cycle of exclusion, a large number of underrepresented communities suffer.

Examples in Industry

Groups such as the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance are laying the fundamental groundwork and policies for future cities, underrepresented groups must be involved.

“As the world urbanizes, sustainable development and economic growth depend increasingly on the successful management of urban growth. With the right technology — and the know-how to govern it — cities can lead the way in solving problems in energy, transportation, healthcare, education and natural disaster response, while making their communities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.” — Global Smart Cities Alliance

https://globalsmartcitiesalliance.org/?page_id=107

Diversity in the development of technology is essential to maximize the impacts Global Smart Cities Alliance points out.