Artificial intelligence could add as much as R1.4-trillion to South Africa’s economy by the end of the decade and create up to 400,000 jobs, according to estimates presented by Huawei South Africa last week. Huawei South Africa deputy general manager Kui Zheng presented the estimates at the company’s annual Huawei Connect conference in Johannesburg. Zheng said AI projects would depend on collaboration between technology companies, developers, customers and local partners. Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng said developing economies would struggle to deploy AI widely without first strengthening their communications networks, data systems and existing digital operations. “Developing economies seeking to advance intelligence must gradually shore up foundations including networks, data and industry digitalisation.”