Dr. Parmesh Pallanee, Managing Director of SIL, delivered a powerful session at the AI Conference Mauritius 2026, organised by ML Africa
Speaking on “Building AI Talent, Data Infrastructure & Research Capacity in Africa,” Dr. Pallanee opened with a thought-provoking question:
Can Africa build the cognitive, computing and research capacities to shape its own AI future?
The answer starts with recognising that talent, infrastructure and research cannot be developed in isolation. With only 0.6% of global data centre capacity located in Africa, building the necessary computing infrastructure is critical to developing and retaining AI talent and research capacity.
Africa should not aim to be a faster consumer of foreign intelligence. It should be building the people, infrastructure and research capacity to develop AI engines that operate within a sovereign African ecosystem.
He also pointed out that AI should enhance productivity, not replace the acquisition of knowledge. Used well, it reduces low-value work; used poorly, it can weaken cognitive capability.
Thank you to ML Africa for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.
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