BEN-Africa, the Business Ethics Network of Africa, was established in 1999 by academics. Its primary mission is to bridge the gap between academia, the business community, civil society, the public sector, and other stakeholders within the business ethics landscape. At its heart, Ben Africa aims to unite individuals on the African continent who share a passion for business ethics.

The nature of work has undergone a fundamental shift, moving beyond the historical replacement of manual labour with machines, as seen in previous industrial revolutions. Now, it’s our intellect that is being challenged by AI and other innovative technologies. This means that the way we engage in labour is changing significantly. Professor Marie Noelle N’guessan distinguishes between “job” (a specific paid role) and “work” (a broader concept encompassing mental and physical activity for a purpose). While job-related impacts are more visible and may have affordable solutions, the influences on “work” are deeper, with less evident solutions, affecting mental health and creating a fast-changing environment that prioritises productivity and efficiency over emotional engagement.

The “Ghost in the Shell” concept, originating from a Japanese comic series, highlights a futuristic world where humans are constantly enhanced by technology (e.g., cyber brains, prostheses). This raises profound questions about our self-perception and how the concept of “self” fits within technology. The integration of AI also opens up humans to cyberattacks, questioning our responsibility towards technology. Dr. Suraj Juddoo further expands on this, noting concerns about AI becoming self-aware and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the trustworthiness of data and the potential for harm. The key question is how to ensure technology remains ethical and does not damage humankind, particularly as AI systems become more capable of self-learning.

“Meta Barons” refer to individuals or entities who wield enormous power through emerging technologies like AI, similar to the concept of powerful, patriarchal figures who enhance themselves with machines to dominate. The term draws a parallel to Mark Zuckerberg’s “Meta” (formerly Facebook), signifying a visualisation of virtual reality and concentrated power. Professor Kemi Ogunyemi describes Meta Barons as those who see opportunities to leverage platforms (like social media and online platforms) to shape public discourse, gain influence, and earn money. This concentration of power inspires fear, as it can be used for both good and harm, raising concerns about the ethics of those behind the scenes and the potential human cost of innovation.

Dr. Suraj Juddoo highlights several challenges in ensuring AI trustworthiness. Firstly, foundational models (like ChatGPT) are pre-trained on vast amounts of publicly available data, raising questions about data quality and the accuracy of responses (e.g., “hallucinations” in LLMs). Organizations need to fine-tune these models with their own data to make them more focused and safer. Secondly, there’s the ongoing challenge of controlling self-learning AI systems and implementing safeguards. Cybersecurity threats, particularly those focused on manipulating training data to produce incorrect results, are also a significant concern. Finally, the debate continues on whether regulations or policies are more effective in governing AI, as laws can be slow to adapt, and enforcement is complex.

The tech-enabled economy profoundly influences adult learning and work models. Adult learning, traditionally compliance and safety-driven, is now insufficient to meet the demands of fast-changing, tech-enabled labour markets, necessitating upskilling. The prevalence of hybrid and flexible work models, while offering benefits, also increases the need for reskilling, as reduced in-person interaction can hinder experience sharing among colleagues. This dynamic creates challenges for continuous learning and adaptation in the workforce.

The pursuit of profit in a tech-driven global context presents several significant risks. As Professor Kemi Ogunyemi points out, one major risk is the blurring of lines between truth and fiction due to deepfakes and social manipulation, leading to misinformation and reputational damage. There’s also a heightened threat to online security, with concerns about voice cloning, fake identities, data privacy breaches, and surveillance. Over-reliance on AI for emotional support can lead to increased mental health issues like depression. Furthermore, the immense energy consumption required for training AI models contributes negatively to the environment, posing a sustainability challenge.

Navigating the ethical challenges of AI and technology requires a multi-faceted approach. Professor Marie Noelle N’guessan emphasizes the need for critical thinking about how technology impacts human well-being and happiness, urging us to find solutions that improve work environments rather than merely creating suffering. Professor Kemi Ogunyemi stresses the importance of acknowledging both the opportunities and risks, advocating for courage and awareness. She suggests that technologists should adopt human-centered design, considering all stakeholders, and that society needs to ensure inclusive development, carrying all communities and generations along through upskilling initiatives. Dr. Suraj Juddoo highlights the crucial role of governance, urging deep discussions between regulators, technology developers, and consumers to shape a future where AI systems are “friendly and not a fool.”