BUI East Africa General Manager Hasmukh Chudasama addresses delegates at the Modern Cybersecurity With AI conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2023.

Business organisations across East Africa can improve employee productivity, streamline processes and mitigate escalating cyberthreats by integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily operations, say cloud and cybersecurity experts from global technology consultancy BUI.

These benefits were highlighted during the Modern Cybersecurity With AI conference presented by BUI in Nairobi, Kenya, last month. The conference followed similar events in South Africa recently and saw the participation of more than 70 business leaders and cybersecurity professionals from East African organisations including the Communications Authority of Kenya, the Kenya Commercial Bank, the Kenya Tourism Board, KPMG East Africa and Jubilee Insurance.

Delegates gathered to explore the role of AI in mitigating online threats and enhancing workplace efficiency. They also examined the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot, the everyday AI companion now generally available to Microsoft application users.

Microsoft Copilot for the modern workplace

Rooted in Large Language Models, Copilot utilises natural language processing to help people complete different tasks for different purposes. Microsoft 365 Copilot, for example, empowers users to analyse, collaborate, communicate and create in Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. Microsoft Security Copilot, on the other hand, enables cybersecurity teams to process data, evaluate risk exposure and address cyberthreats in real time to facilitate the safeguarding of vital digital resources.

Hasmukh Chudasama, BUI East Africa General Manager, described Microsoft Copilot as a technological breakthrough and expressed his enthusiasm about this cutting-edge AI tool. “As a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud, BUI is excited about Copilot. We’re committed to promoting this innovative technology and aiding our customers in its adoption and use as they modernise and transform their workplaces.”

Neil du Plessis, a Cloud Security Architect at BUI South Africa, lauded Microsoft 365 Copilot in particular for its ability to enhance employee productivity by streamlining everyday tasks. “The primary advantage of Microsoft 365 Copilot is in boosting employee productivity. Research indicates that people are at least 30 percent more productive when using AI-powered technologies, like Copilot, compared to traditional methods. This is evident not only in contemporary workplaces but also in sectors like cybersecurity. This technology enables businesses to upskill their workforces more rapidly than before,” Du Plessis explained.

The AI advantage

Amidst the rising popularity of AI tools such as ChatGPT, corporate leaders are increasingly keen to leverage new and emerging technologies. In fact, 69 percent of African CEOs see the advantages of generative AI across their enterprises, according to CEO Decision-Making in the Age of AI, an IBM report published earlier this year.

Chudasama advised delegates – and East Africa’s business leaders at large – to consider the benefits of Microsoft Copilot in their own organisations. “You can derive substantial benefits from the combination of AI, machine learning and analytics,” he said. “Copilot opens the door for your teams to boost their creativity, productivity and skills. Whether they need to automate workflows, analyse customer data, or compose marketing material, Copilot can help. There’s a world of possibility, and opportunity, for the businesses that embrace AI to drive innovation and value,” he concluded.

BUI offers a three-day Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness Workshop to help organisations explore what’s possible with Microsoft 365 Copilot and get to grips with the licensing requirements, technical requirements and onboarding process. Delivered remotely by Modern Work and Security experts, the workshop is suitable for Senior Business Development Managers, Line Managers, IT Leaders and End Users. Download the Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness Workshop brochure for more information or contact BUI directly to get started today: info@bui.co