Writer: Zinhle Dlamini
Pictures: Supplied
Professor Daramy Kallon, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg
Picture: UJ website
Professor Daramy Kallon (53) is one of Africa’s rising voices in Artificial Intelligence (AI). A member of the prestigious African Scientists Directory, he has earned credibility and influence as a leading researcher on the continent.
Last year, he delivered a compelling presentation on the status and progress of AI development in South Africa at a BRICS conference in China.
Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, Kallon reflects on the obstacles he had to overcome.
“At six months old, I fell ill with fever that left me with a severe hearing loss. I lost 70% of my hearing. I have worked really hard to be where I am today.”
Growing up in the 1970s in Sierra Leone, communication for a child with hearing impairment was tough. Most schools lacked hearing devices and teachers trained in sign language were rare. He relied on lip-reading, improvised hand gestures and borrowing notes from classmates throughout his schooling and university years.
Ironically, today he has built a distinguished career in engineering and AI—where technology helps bridge communication gaps through speech-to-text transcription, as well as cameras and sensors that translate sign language into text or speech.
His BRICS presentation inspired hope for Africa’s AI adoption.
“At the global level, penetration of AI technologies has increased tremendously. However, Africa is yet to adequately harness the potential and opportunities of AI technologies across the continent,” he says.
The slow uptake, he explains, stems from challenges such as limited digital infrastructure and low AI skills.
As of 2022, only 2.7% of Africans had access to 5G internet, compared to 45% in China.
Africa currently has 140 data centres, while China had 449 in 2022.
Despite these gaps, momentum is building. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Egypt, and Morocco are leading AI adoption across key sectors:
Fintech: Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are transforming mobile payments, digital banking and fraud prevention.
Healthcare: Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda use AI for diagnostics and telehealth.
Agriculture: Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda apply AI for soil analysis, crop monitoring and drone technology.
Education and research: AI tutoring systems and personalised learning are emerging in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Egypt and Morocco lead in AI policy and research frameworks.
South Africa dominates continental adoption, especially in finance, healthcare, retail, agriculture and mining. But globally, the other BRICS partners are ahead—China remaining the clear leader.
Professor Kallon predicts a bright future if challenges are addressed.
“Africa’s AI market value of $4.51 billion in 2025 could rise to $18.27 billion by 2031,” he says.