January 23, 2025, by Amira Hadak
Africa, rich in potential but facing major challenges, represents a key ground for innovation and the adoption of artificial intelligence. In this dynamic landscape, François Weiler, President of Altair France, and Redda Ben Geloune, CEO of Aitek, have joined forces to revolutionize AI integration on the continent. This partnership combines Altair’s technological prowess with Aitek’s local expertise, with a clear objective: to make AI a sustainable driver of transformation for Africa. ActuIA spoke with them to explore the ambitions and challenges of this strategic collaboration.
What motivated you to join forces to promote AI in Africa?
François Weiler: For several years, Altair has sought to establish a lasting presence in Africa, but we faced challenges, particularly in adapting our offerings to local needs. In Africa, it’s not just about offering high-performance technology but also understanding the cultural and economic dynamics. When we met Aitek, we immediately recognized a shared vision and common values. Their local expertise and ability to forge strong connections with African businesses perfectly complement our technological know-how. This partnership is therefore strategic in accelerating our impact on the continent.
Redda Ben Geloune: Aitek was born in Africa to address the continent’s major challenges, whether in education, energy, or healthcare. For twenty years, we have built a network and developed an in-depth understanding of local needs. By collaborating with Altair, we combine the power of their technology with our knowledge of Africa’s specificities. AI is a fundamental lever for transforming the continent and bridging structural gaps, provided it is implemented in a relevant way. We have always wanted to contribute to making Africa a leader in cutting-edge technologies.
Why do you believe AI is essential for Africa’s development?
Redda Ben Geloune: Africa faces major challenges, but it is also a young continent, with a median age of 19.7 years. AI can help solve some of the most complex problems, such as the lack of infrastructure or educational gaps. Unlike other regions where existing technologies sometimes hinder innovation, we have the opportunity to build directly on modern foundations. Moreover, Africans perceive AI as an opportunity rather than a threat to employment. This mindset opens unique perspectives for the rapid integration of these technologies in critical sectors.
François Weiler: In Europe, discussions around AI are often marked by ethical or social concerns. In Africa, businesses and institutions see AI as a way to overcome current limitations. For example, AI can reduce costs and accelerate processes in essential sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. We firmly believe that AI can help Africa realize its immense potential while laying the foundation for inclusive economic development. By making AI accessible, we can transform the daily lives of millions of people.
What are the concrete objectives of your partnership?
François Weiler: We aim to create a sustainable and high-performing ecosystem. Concretely, this means identifying relevant use cases, adapting our solutions to local needs, and developing projects with measurable impact. Altair brings its technological expertise, and Aitek helps us understand the expectations of African businesses and institutions. This partnership is based on true collaboration, where each party contributes to creating realistic and scalable solutions while being adapted to local constraints. We want to prove that AI can be a growth engine for the entire region.
Redda Ben Geloune: We have already launched several pilot projects with local companies. The goal is to build success stories that will serve as references for other players. For example, we are working on AI solutions to optimize supply chains and reduce losses in the agri-food sector. Additionally, we plan to double our teams in Africa to meet the growing demand. We also want to strengthen training and knowledge transfer to young African talents, who will be the key players in this transformation. This includes developing specialized AI educational programs and hands-on workshops in local communities.
What are the main challenges you face?
François Weiler: One major challenge is ensuring access to the data needed to train AI models. In Africa, data regulations are still evolving, which can make access easier than in other regions. However, this also requires a great deal of responsibility to ensure that data usage adheres to ethical principles. We must also work on minimizing the costs of accessing technology for small and medium-sized enterprises. Finally, it is crucial to prevent existing infrastructures from becoming a barrier to adopting new solutions.
Redda Ben Geloune: Another challenge is raising awareness among public and private decision-makers about the urgency of investing in AI. Too often, projects are delayed due to a lack of clear commitment. This is why we emphasize the need to work with local stakeholders who understand the challenges and can act quickly. Building real trust among all ecosystem players is essential for the success of these initiatives. We also face massive and growing demand, requiring a rapid increase in our deployment capabilities. Furthermore, breaking down cultural barriers is important to accelerate the adoption of these technologies.
How do you see the future of AI in Africa?
Redda Ben Geloune: If Africa successfully embraces AI, it could reduce its economic gap in about fifteen years. However, this requires strong political will and targeted investments, particularly in training and education. We have a unique opportunity to transform our economies and create quality jobs for young Africans. AI can also play a role in preserving our cultural heritage by facilitating the digitization and promotion of our historical and artistic treasures. Additionally, we hope to inspire a new generation of tech entrepreneurs on the continent. This momentum could lead to a true socio-economic revolution.
François Weiler: I share this optimism. AI is a tremendous catalyst for change. This partnership with Aitek allows us to lay solid foundations and contribute to creating a future where Africa is not just a consumer of technology but a key player in the global AI economy.