South Africa and AI today (February 2025)

The productivity benefits of AI are equally appealing. E-marketers can delegate routine tasks to AI systems, allowing them to reclaim crucial time and improve overall efficiency. An extraordinary 86% of those surveyed reported that AI saves them at least one hour each day—a massive gain in productivity. (That is about 28 full working days a year).

As deadlines continue to loom and workloads increase, marketers are increasingly relying on AI to assist in content creation. About 46% use AI to generate marketing copy, while 41% find it helpful for developing content outlines. 34% consider AI an essential research tool, and another 34% use it for brainstorming ideas. (Clever idea right, but was it theirs?)

In this evolving ecosystem, it’s clear that AI is not just a buzzword; it’s becoming a vital ally for businesses striving to enhance efficiency and creativity in an ever-competitive marketplace. And let’s be honest, it’s rough out there, so why not give yourself and your business a little help? Let me share some examples of AI in motion, maybe inspire you to try a few?

AI Softwares. Developments in large language models and generative AI have enhanced AI tools used for coding, travel planning, and so much more.  Let me name drop:

• Microsoft: Integrated the Cortana assistant into the Microsoft 365 suite for productivity tasks.
• Apple: Siri assists users with various tasks using AI since its launch in 2011.
• Amazon: Employs AI throughout its e-commerce operations for product recommendations, logistics, and customer interactions.
• Clay: Offers AI solutions for managing professional relationships.
• Smartcat: Translates content across languages using AI tools.
• Atlassian: Enhances productivity in project management with its AI-powered solutions.
• Google: Utilizes AI in Google Maps to optimize routes and has integrated voice assistance and augmented reality features.
• IBM: Offers Watson and watsonx for diverse applications such as customer service chatbots and coding assistance, with open-source models for developers.
• NVIDIA: Provides AI platforms for cloud operations, speech, translation, and generative content, and is known for its AI chips.
• Genius Sports: Supplies sports analytics solutions with AI tools that analyze gameplay and assist in decision-making. (This is the App on the list I am most likely never to use… I am not one for the sports)
• OpenAI: Gained prominence with ChatGPT, now enhanced with the GPT-4o model for processing text, audio, images, and videos. I used it to proof this article actually.

How about AI with some bodies? Robotic AI. Robots are increasingly capable of complex tasks in various sectors, such as manufacturing and education.

• Machina Labs: Develops automated smart factories using robotics.
• iRobot: Known for the Roomba, a vacuum that autonomously cleans using AI. (Cats also love riding them: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XF1U8T1n6Wo )
• SoftBank Robotics: Created humanoid robots like Pepper and NAO for various applications.
• AMP: Designs AI systems for efficient recycling operations. I really like the objective here!

AI PAs and Smart Assistants. Smart assistants powered by AI are prevalent across devices, with growing adoption among adults.

• Skillsoft: Provides AI tools for employee training and skill development.
• Motorola Solutions: Develops AI technologies for public safety operations.
• Ylopo: Delivers AI digital marketing tools for real estate.
• Kustomer: Provides AI tools for improved customer service experiences.
• Grammarly: Offers AI writing assistance across various platforms.

AI in Healthcare. I am particularly concerned for our health practitioners in South Africa at the moment and keeping an eye on AI in this sector, however, elsewhere AI is transforming healthcare by streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.

• PathAI: Helps pathologists with AI for more accurate diagnoses.
• Well: Creates personalized health plans using collected data.
• Greenlight Guru: Provides cloud solutions to reduce risks in medical technology.
• Takeda: Uses AI for ‘efficient’ drug discovery.

• Liberty Mutual: Researches AI to modernize insurance claims processing.
• Morningstar: Innovations include an AI chatbot for investment assistance.
• Canoe: Automates alternative investment processes using AI. (Such an odd name for the sector.)
• Kensho Technologies: Uses AI for analytics and research in finance.
• Gradient AI: Develops AI solutions for insurance claim automation.

 AI in Travel and Transportation. I recently did a keynote talk for a very large travel agency and warned the guests that they need to understand they are at risk of a ‘Kodak moment’. Some parts of the travel tech sector are rapidly integrating AI to enhance customer interaction and efficiency, but at the risk of job losses.

• Motive: Supports fleet management with AI capabilities.
• Metropolis Technologies: Offers AI technology for automated payments in parking.
• Navan: Provides travel management software with AI customer service support.
• General Motors: Uses AI for various automotive applications.

AI in Social Media, Retail, Marketing, and Business. Yes, AI wants to be social as well. Various sectors are using AI to improve user interactions, enhance marketing strategies, and optimize operations. Now, if someone could just fix the awful display algorithms on Facebook so organic posts can actually be seen, I would be much happier.

My Conclusion. Perhaps you are ready to include some new tech or AI in your business? Remember, you can chat with me about this and if you want to learn a little more first you can read MZANSI’s AI MANUAL which I published last year and you can find it on my site.

I want to end this article about AI, focusing on a Business concern here in South Africa, specifically a subject most SMMEs are familiar with: their websites, and how AI is influencing results.

It is already a fast-paced, highly pressurized, and ‘unique’ world for digital marketing professionals in South Africa, and the significance of web design often goes unnoticed. Yet, its impact on business success is profound. Massive!

AI and web design are bedfellows. Try picturing this: a visitor arrives at your website, only to be greeted by an awfully designed layout that fails to engage. Be honest now… has this not happened to you at least once this week? Who built this website? A bad web designer or AI?

Research shows that a staggering 38% of people will simply click away if the user experience feels off-putting. This underscores a critical truth: nearly half of customers judge a business based exclusively on its website. As a business owner, imagine losing almost 50% of potential leads simply due to bad web design.

The responsibility lies with website owners to create an enticing visual experience that resonates with users because 40% of visitors prioritize appealing images over all else. Yes, looks matter! Authentic content matters, and AI has not perfected this.

Other e-Gremlins.

What about when a website takes too long to load? A massive 39% of users will lose interest, resulting in significant revenue losses. So… speed also matters! (Good code and hosting matter.)

Responsive web design can boost conversion rates by up to 11%. This means that catering to various devices and screen sizes is not just an option; it’s essential, and something that must be tested by a human.

Interestingly, cell phone search trends show varying preferences across generations, with Gen Z leading the way. I believe voice search is going to capture a huge part of the market, and optimizing your website for this in 2025 is very important. (You can speak to me if you need help doing this).

Marketing needs to provoke an emotion, and I caution against removing humans completely from the process of preparing your business’s home on the web. While there are many free and AI website builders, I want to emphasise that AI is not perfect. Far from it! A website designer and a website owner need to work closely together to achieve the best results. Human intelligence above Artificial.

The END.