Global provider of solutions for trade facilitation Webb Fontaine has announced key investments into Africa with the intention to open an AI R&D centre.

In a statement released to the media, Webb Fontaine said the move is in response to demand by governments globally to implement AI-powered solutions for trade.

The R&D Centre was announced by Webb Fontaine founder and Trade Technology Innovator, Jean Gulbenk Gurunlian, during the inaugural Bloomberg Invest Africa online event held this week.

“There is talent in Africa, particularly in technology innovation, but we need more. Webb Fontaine is testament to this with several African led and staffed offices across the region. We are witnessing an age of tremendous advancement across the African continent whereby a wave of digital transformation, new ideas and ways of working are transforming the trade and customs landscape,” said Gurunlian.

Webb Fontaine said its R&D Centre will contribute to this “by growing and nurturing fresh local talent, of which there is no shortage in the region, and supporting local governments to drive economic growth powered by the latest innovations and technology.”

“Africa’s top talent will not only develop solutions to benefit the African continent, but will build AI applications to be used across the world, contributing to Webb Fontaine’s global mission,” the company added.

Webb Fontaine currently has five R&D centres across the world and the company says the new centre will be home to large AI engineering teams developing Webb Fontaine’s next generation AI and machine learning capabilities.