Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
The future of leadership in Africa hinges on a critical skill: AI literacy. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and societies globally, African boards must embrace this knowledge to remain competitive, ethical, and innovative. AI literacy is no longer optional but essential for board members across the continent, as it equips leaders to harness these advancements responsibly and effectively oversee their organisations in an AI-driven world. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising decision-making processes, offering tools to analyse data, predict trends, and optimise operations. Globally, AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, with Africa poised to benefit significantly if its leaders adapt. Yet, many African boards lag in understanding AI’s transformative potential due to gaps in digital literacy and infrastructure. This gap must be urgently addressed to ensure African businesses remain competitive in the global market. The oversight role of boards in AI governance is becoming increasingly critical. According to a recent Deloitte Global survey, only 14% of boards discuss AI at every meeting, while 45% haven’t yet put AI on their agenda at all. This lack of engagement is concerning, especially given the rapid pace of AI development and its potential impact on businesses. African boards must recognise that AI oversight is not just a technical issue but a strategic imperative that demands their attention and understanding. To effectively govern in the age of AI, board members need to develop a comprehensive understanding of AI’s capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications. This knowledge enables them to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and provide meaningful guidance to management teams. Without this literacy, boards risk approving AI initiatives without fully grasping their implications or missing out on transformative opportunities that could propel their organisations forward. The stakes are high for African businesses. AI has the potential to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, from improving healthcare access to optimising agricultural productivity. However, it also brings risks such as data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and potential job displacement. AI-literate boards are better equipped to navigate these complex issues, ensuring that AI adoption aligns with organisational values and societal needs. Moreover, AI literacy empowers boards to foster a culture of innovation within their organisations. By understanding AI’s potential, board members can encourage management to explore cutting-edge solutions and allocate resources to promising AI initiatives. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for African businesses to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market. The path to AI literacy for African boards requires a multifaceted approach. Board members should prioritise ongoing education about AI technologies and their applications in business. This can involve attending workshops, engaging with AI experts, and even experiencing AI tools firsthand. Some organisations are already taking steps in this direction, with 8% of respondents in the Deloitte survey indicating that they are starting to include AI specialists among their new board directors. However, education alone is not sufficient. Boards must establish robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI adoption aligns with the organisation’s strategic priorities. This includes setting clear governance frameworks for AI-related initiatives, evaluating their alignment with goals such as enhancing productivity and efficiency, improving customer experience, and fostering innovation. By focusing on strategy and accountability, boards can ensure that AI delivers measurable value while safeguarding the organisation’s long-term vision and ethical standards.. Risk management is another critical aspect of AI governance that demands board attention. African boards must establish robust frameworks for assessing and mitigating AI-related risks. This includes addressing data privacy concerns, ensuring algorithmic fairness, and preparing for potential cybersecurity threats. Boards should also consider the broader societal implications of AI adoption, such as its impact on employment and social equity. To effectively oversee AI initiatives, boards need to define clear governance structures. This may involve creating dedicated AI committees or integrating AI oversight into existing committee responsibilities. Many boards that have delegated AI matters typically assign them to the risk and regulatory committee or the audit committee. African boards should carefully consider which structure best suits their organisation’s needs to ensure comprehensive AI governance. As AI becomes more pervasive, boards must also broaden their stakeholder considerations. While customers and employees are currently seen as the top stakeholders in AI governance, African boards should anticipate increased scrutiny from regulators, investors, and society at large. Proactively engaging with these stakeholders and addressing their concerns will be crucial for maintaining trust and social license to operate in an AI-driven future. The journey towards AI literacy and effective governance is not without challenges. Many African organisations face resource constraints and may struggle to attract AI talent. However, these obstacles make it even more imperative for boards to lead the charge in AI adoption and governance. By prioritising AI literacy and oversight, boards can help their organisations overcome these hurdles and unlock the transformative potential of AI. In conclusion, AI literacy is non-negotiable for African boards aspiring to lead their organisations into the future. It is the key to unlocking innovation, managing risks, and ensuring responsible AI adoption. As AI continues to reshape the business landscape, African boards must rise to the challenge, embracing AI literacy as a fundamental leadership competency. By doing so, they will position their organisations – and the continent as a whole – to thrive in the AI-driven economy of the future.
, /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors today declared a quarterly dividend of per share on the company's common shares, payable . : The board of directors of (NYSE:T) today declared a quarterly dividend of per share on the company's common shares. The board of directors also declared quarterly dividends on the company's 5.000% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A and the company's 4.750% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C. The Series A dividend is per preferred share, or per depositary share. The Series C dividend is per preferred share, or per depositary share. Dividends on the common stock and Series A and Series C preferred stock are payable on , to stockholders of record of the respective shares at the close of business on . To automatically receive AT&T financial news by email, please . We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at . Investors can learn more at . © 2024 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AT&T Get local news delivered to your inbox!Michigan aims to cap lost season by beating Ohio State
CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there.Hellebuyck makes 43 saves, Iafallo scores twice to give Jets 4-1 win over Wild
The Wanted star reveals he will be spending Christmas in hospitalAP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:07 a.m. EST