Wyzetalk, an employee engagement company that has built its own patented mobile, USSD and app technology solution, enabling businesses to connect and communicate effectively and efficiently with their workforces including non-desk workers, has been named Best Digital Company at this year’s Africa Tech Week.
The event, which took place in Cape Town, brought together business leaders who are influencing technological change in South Africa and disrupting the status quo across all industries. The awards recognise the achievements of organisations and individuals that are using technology to deliver real results and return on investment for businesses in Africa. With categories such as Best Technology Start-up of the Year, Technology Growth Business of the Year and Technology Innovation of the Year, the awards shine a spotlight on those who are creating and using digital platforms to create more profitable and connected businesses across Africa.
Wyzetalk was also nominated as a finalist in the Technology Company of the Year category.
“We set out to create something purposeful and highly valued that delivers real results,” said Gys Kappers, CEO of Wyzetalk.
“With innovation at the heart of Wyzetalk, our solutions are designed to improve the employee experience particularly for dispersed, non-desk workers who operate in challenging conditions underground, at sea, out in the field and on the shop floor. Our clients, the feedback received and of course industry recognition such as this certainly go a long way to showcasing the impact our solution is having and our passion for disrupting the African business landscape.”
Meanwhile, a South African based Artificial Intelligence software and solutions veteran and founder of Cortex Logic, also picked up a top accolade at Africa Tech Week, underlying a life dedicated to AI and Data Science Innovation.
Dr Jacques Ludik holds a PhD in Computer Science and has amassed 25 plus years’ experience in the study and exploitation of AI and Data Science in real world applications. Ludik was formally a founder of Bennit AI, Mosaic, SynerG and CSense Systems, the latter being Africa’s first AI company sold to General Electric in 2011. During his career, Jacques has published a wide range of papers on AI, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning and Data Science and is a big supporter of AI for social good. He is currently Founder and CEO of Cortex Logic and Founder and President of the Machine Intelligence Institute of Africa (MIIA).
Dr Ludik said: “It’s such an honour to receive any award and this one is special because it comes at a time when AI is moving beyond the hype and into the realm of real-world application both in the enterprise and society in general.”
“My current focus is two-fold; at Cortex Logic we are now building a series of products and platforms embracing all aspects of Artificial Intelligence to help businesses solve complex business problems using the power of Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data and Analytics. At the Machine Intelligence Institute of Africa, we are building a community that aims to leverage AI for social good, education and transformative change in wider African society.
“It’s been a passion of mine for many years and there has never been a better time for young engineers, entrepreneurs, business and governments to begin their journey into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Every sector of society and commerce will be impacted by AI and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. However, we have some key challenges to solve around the ethics and impact AI will have on society so it’s imperative that we all begin to focus on this debate and how this smart technology era will be leveraged for positive change, growth and benefit for all. I look forward to the next 25 years of change and will continue to focus on the positive impact this could have not only in Africa but the entire world.”
Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Africa Tech Week, said the main focus of Africa Tech Week was educating business people, entrepreneurs and governments operating in Africa to ensure unique challenges faced on the continent can be overcome.
“Using technology to take advantage of the opportunities available in the modern world, we can ensure we survive and thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.”
