This comes hot on the heels of their impressive victory at the East Africa Regional Finals held right here in Nairobi, proving that Kenyan innovation is ready to compete on a global stage.

Jenga AI’s story began with a simple question: Why should inefficiency be an accepted cost of doing business for subcontractors in commercial construction?

Founders Shayne and Nym, drawing on Nym’s experience as a large specialty contractor in New York City, recognized the immense waste of time and resources associated with manual bidding processes. With win rates typically hovering around 20%, estimators were spending 80% of their time on projects that never materialized.

This realization sparked the creation of JENGAI, an analytical CRM designed to empower subcontractors to focus on the right projects, avoid wasted time, and maximize their efforts.

So, what’s the Datamellon AI Ignite all about? It’s a program designed to supercharge promising AI startups. Think of it as a launchpad, offering a powerful combination of resources:

• Ksh 13 Million in Seed Funding (Equity-Free!): That’s a serious boost to get things moving.
• Ksh 260 Million Investment Fund Access: Top performers get a shot at even more funding to scale their operations.
• Silicon Valley Exposure: The chance to pitch to the big leagues – investors and tech gurus in the heart of Silicon Valley.
• Expert Mentorship: Eight weeks of guidance from industry veterans to refine their strategy and execution.
• Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: Access to Datamellon’s AI and cloud resources, essential for building and scaling their solutions.

Jenga AI’s win in Nairobi wasn’t just luck. It showcased the ingenuity and problem-solving skills that are becoming hallmarks of Kenyan startups.

Their innovative approach caught the judges’ attention, demonstrating the potential to create real impact and disrupt traditional industries. Now, as they prepare for Marrakech, they’re carrying the hopes of Kenya’s tech community with them.

This victory is a testament to the growing strength of Kenya’s tech ecosystem. We’re seeing a surge in talented developers, a supportive community of investors and mentors, and increasing access to the resources needed to build world-class companies.

Jenga AI’s success is a sign that Kenya is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the global AI landscape.

Programs like Datamellon AI Ignite are crucial for fueling this growth. They provide the capital, mentorship, and exposure that startups need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

By connecting Kenyan innovators with global networks, they’re helping to build a vibrant and competitive tech sector that can drive economic growth and create opportunities for Kenyans.

This is a chance to showcase Kenyan ingenuity to the world and attract even more investment and opportunities to our growing tech ecosystem.

Datamellon, with its strong presence across Africa, is a key partner in this journey. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, they’re providing the essential infrastructure, expertise, and support needed to help Kenyan startups thrive.

The post Jenga AI Flies the Kenyan Flag High: Heading to Marrakech After AI Ignite Win appeared first on Biz Post Daily.

The study projects that 40% of tasks in Africa’s tech outsourcing sector could be automated by 2030, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the industry and its employees.

Kenya’s BPO Boom and the AI Disruption:

Kenya’s BPO market is projected to reach $272.10 million in 2025, with an impressive annual growth rate of 5.96%. This growth is expected to continue, reaching a market volume of $343.00 million by 2029. The Kenyan government aims to create 1 million BPO/ITES jobs in the next five years through supportive policies and incentives.

However, the report highlights that automation could slow down this trajectory. Specifically, Customer Experience roles, which constitute 44% of current employment in the African BPO sector, are particularly vulnerable, with half of the tasks at risk of automation.

Key Findings of the Report:

• 40% of tasks in Africa’s BPO and ITES sectors could be automated by 2030.
• Only 10% of tasks are fully resilient to automation.
• Customer Experience roles are most vulnerable, with 50% of tasks automatable.
• Entry-level jobs, comprising 68% of the workforce, are significantly affected.
• Tasks performed by women are 10% more susceptible to automation than those performed by men.

Opportunities for Upskilling and Growth:

Despite the potential for job displacement, the report emphasizes that AI also creates opportunities for workers to transition into higher-skilled, higher-paying roles. Strategic investment in widespread AI upskilling and training is crucial to unlocking Africa’s $35 billion BPO potential by 2028.

Rodwell Mangisi, Director of Digital Economy Pan African Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, stated, “Africa’s tech outsourcing industry is expanding rapidly, adding new jobs and opportunities each year.

“As AI transforms global business processes, Africa can lead by ensuring its workforce is AI-ready. By investing in targeted upskilling programs, especially for women and young professionals, we can ensure this 6% annual growth translates into sustainable, high-value employment that benefits all demographics.”

AI Integration and the Changing Role of Workers:

AI is already integrated into Africa’s BPO and ITES sectors, driving efficiency and innovation. Workers are using tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and in-house chatbots to enhance productivity, creativity, and accuracy. This allows employees to focus on strategic problem-solving, decision-making, and higher-value tasks, leading to opportunities for career advancement.

Addressing the Challenges and Ensuring Equitable Growth:

The report acknowledges that AI’s rapid rise could disproportionately impact certain roles, particularly entry-level positions held by women and youth. To mitigate these risks, AI-driven upskilling programs are needed to enable workers to shift into higher-skilled roles in areas like cybersecurity, AI management, and data services.

Charlene Migwe, Program Director at Caribou, emphasized, “Africa’s tech outsourcing sector is at a pivotal moment. With the right investments in skills development, ethical AI, and inclusive policies, we can transform the risks of automation into new opportunities for innovation and resilience.

The future of Africa’s BPO and ITES sectors hinges on proactive measures to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI automation.

By investing in equitable AI upskilling and reskilling efforts, the industry can ensure that all demographics, particularly women and young professionals, can transition into future-proof roles and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The key is to embrace AI as a tool for empowerment and innovation, rather than a threat to employment.

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