Khethiwe Nkuna
Profile Summary
Khethiwe is a passionate and seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving transformative change in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. With a heart for empowering others, she leverages her expertise in transformation, corporate social investment, and inclusion and diversity to create lasting impact.
As the CEO of SkillQuest, Khethiwe leads with purpose, harnessing the potential of people and technology to address societal challenges and drive sustainable growth. Her journey has taken her through leadership roles at Accenture Africa and MMI Holdings, where she pioneered innovative solutions that drove business value and social impact.
Khethiwe’s commitment to advancing inclusion and diversity is unwavering, with a focus on creating spaces where everyone can thrive. She believes that when we bring our authentic selves to the table, we unlock the power to drive innovation and growth.
Presentation Description
Achieving Social and Economic Inclusion in the Age of Data & AI
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In an era dominated by digital transformation, nearly 3 billion people remain disconnected, limiting their access to education, employment, and essential services. This talk explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data are breaking down barriers and driving social and economic inclusion.
The discussion begins by highlighting the global digital divide, emphasising that exclusion is not just about internet access but also about affordability, skills, and accessibility. AI is playing a transformative role in bridging these gaps, making learning and communication more personalised and accessible.
Through compelling case studies, I'll showcase Thooto, an AI-driven platform in South Africa that upskills youth and connects them with job opportunities, and an AI-powered communication tool developed for individuals with ALS, which restores speech and self-expression using predictive AI and eye-tracking technology.
The talk also explores mobile-first AI solutions and offline AI applications, highlighting their critical role in reaching underserved populations. Public-private partnerships, such as Microsoft’s Airband Initiative and Vodafone’s digital inclusion efforts, demonstrate how large-scale collaboration is expanding internet access and AI adoption globally.
Finally, I unpack how measuring progress through digital literacy rates, AI adoption, and economic indicators ensures meaningful impact. The session concludes with a call to action, urging governments, businesses, and communities to prioritise inclusive AI development.
By leveraging AI and data, we can create a more equitable digital future, ensuring that technology benefits everyone, everywhere.
