CRITICAL intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and skill development in the digital era are among major focus areas of discussion in the annual leadership event- Sahara Sparks 2024.

Kicked off yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the event will dig deep on how innovation can cultivate a workforce equipped to thrive amid technological advancements.

A statement availed to the media yesterday, stated that the event began with a panel discussion titled “AI and the Future of Journalism,” hosted in partnership with the Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF).

Journalists, AI enthusiasts and media stakeholders explored the transformative potential of AI in reshaping journalism, discussing both opportunities and challenges in this new digital era.

The dialogue is part of a broader series of events leading up to the main highlights of Sahara Sparks 2024, scheduled for September 27 and 28.

Themed “People Skills Future,” the event will delve into how emerging technologies can be leveraged to create sustainable employment opportunities while addressing pressing issues in skill development.

Dr Amos Nungu, Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) commended Sahara Ventures for spearheading the important initiative.

“With over 800,000 young people entering the labour market annually, our skills development capacity, as outlined in the National Five-Year Development Plan II, remains inadequate. We must collaborate with development partners to enhance our workforce’s tech capabilities,” he said.

Jumanne Mtambalike, Sahara Ventures chief executive officer noted: “Our discussions are strategically aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy, focusing on sectors like agriculture, agro-economy, and information and communication technology (ICT). By incorporating AI into our panel discussions, we aim to drive systemic interventions in the labour market, addressing the needs of the digital age.”

The upcoming climax of the event will feature sessions on EdTech, envisioning Digital Tanzania 2050, AI’s impact on the future of work, and strategies for scaling businesses in emerging markets.

There will also be discussions centred on fostering engagement between startups and corporate entities.

Sahara Sparks serves as a crucial platform, uniting stakeholders from the private sector, startup ecosystems, and investors to share insights on the role of AI in shaping the future of work.

The event will showcase innovative solutions from tech startups, particularly in the EdTech and agriculture sectors, underlining their contributions to a rapidly evolving digital landscape.