Brain Regional Bootcamp 2025: How AI is Shaping the Future of Africa

From February 25th to March 1st, Cape Town in South Africa was a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and impactful dialogue as it hosted the Brain Regional Bootcamp Conference 2025. Among key speakers and thought leaders was Younes Bensouda Mourri, CEO of LiveTech.AI. His participation was very telling that for Africa in general, Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to reshape systems and meet challenges, particularly in low-resource environments today.

During his talk on innovation, Younes Bensouda Mourri highlighted Small Language Models (SLM) and their significance for efficient deployment of AI on devices such as iOS and Android which operate on devices often constrained by limited computational power and internet connectivity. Such lighter models are especially important for remote and parts of the world that are far off and underserved today. Through discussion of lean AI solutions, that are efficient and adaptable, he emphasized the potential to make AI more accessible, cost-effective, and scalable for African startups.

A key take from his participation was the need to support African builders and innovators who could develop with inclusiveness and sustainability. The emphasis was on creating strong partnerships and nurturing thriving communities that link local talent to expertise from around the globe. Talking to startups and key players strengthen the conviction that AI can significantly elevate communities and businesses and improve people’s lives, by visibly working inclusively.

As AI unfolds and integrates into society, bold aspirations and the right educational policy mix will also need to develop. Through leveraging AI we need to equip our people with skills that will give them a broad grip on technology and future opportunities. By integrating education with technology, young people will realize their capacities to improve their education’s efficacy and that of others in their environment. We can also use education to create more opportunities for those who traditionally do not have access to education.

Without a doubt, this is an exciting time for AI on this continent and it represents a new kind of future where everyone can and does participate and benefit.

As Younes Bensouda Mourri continues on his journey to democratize and make more affordable AI, his presentation at the exciting 2025 Brain Regional Bootcamp Conference marks another significant step towards a future that will be more inclusive and powered by AI in Africa.