‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to change everything. For some, that’s an exciting prospect. For others, it’s terrifying. Whatever you feel about AI, there’s no escaping it – whether you’re living in a global metropolis or are a farmer in rural KwaZulu-Natal,’ says Dr Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at First National Bank (FNB) Risk.
‘I drive the use of AI to modernise risk management to be something that has numerous practical applications in various sectors, and that could lead to meaningful impact in society.’
Dr Nasila is responsible for executing the overall strategy for the company to employ data-related or data-dependent capabilities such as AI and machine learning, while also being the developer and the brain behind an AI system that FNB has harnessed to reimagine its risk management and forensic due diligence processes. This expert in AI is also a research fellow at Stellenbosch University, and a Professor of Practice in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Johannesburg. He has been watching AI’s ascent for over a decade, and has been studying its effects on all areas of the economy and society. Importantly, he has applied his understanding of the topic to his role at First National Bank (FNB).
Dr Nasila’s innovative approach has revolutionised risk management and forensic due diligence through advanced AI systems and has set new benchmarks in banking technology.
‘I’m constantly fascinated by the potential to create intelligent systems that can transform lives and societies. What excites me most is the opportunity to apply AI to solve complex problems. The possibility of developing AI solutions that are not only innovative but also inclusive and ethical is what drives me forward. They could apply to everything from agriculture and aviation to healthcare, education, entertainment, crime prevention, sustainable development, energy management, policy creation, finance and other sectors,’ he explains.
‘The most exciting aspect of being an AI scientist is the ability to collaborate with diverse experts, from data scientists to domain experts, to co-create solutions that have a lasting impact. The rapid evolution of AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, also keeps my work dynamic and challenging.’
He recently published the book African Artificial Intelligence that traces among others the rise of AI and its evolution into an emerging technology underpinning many others. In the book Dr Nasila emphasizes the need for African nations to develop unique AI solutions, and he also discusses AI’s potential to transform industries and economic sectors in African countries. ‘Harnessing AI to solve Africa’s problems requires embracing it from an African perspective,’ he says. ‘African nations can’t afford simply to import AI solutions. They need to rework, remix and refine AI so it’s able to meet uniquely African challenges in uniquely African ways.’
Beginnings – and the future
‘My passion to leverage data and AI to solve complex problems and drive positive impact in various industries was influenced my family, including my father, a statistician and lecturer. There were also prominent researchers and entrepreneurs in the field, such as Andrew Ng, Fei-Fei Li, Ray Kurzweil, and the team at Singularity University who influenced my choices,’ Dr Nasila recalls.
‘In terms of the future, international AI research is heading towards more advanced and specialized applications, such as Explainable AI, Edge AI, and AI for Social Good. There’s a growing focus on responsible AI development, ensuring that AI systems are transparent, ethical, and inclusive.’
He says AI research is gaining momentum in South Africa, with a strong emphasis on applying AI to address local challenges, and a growing interest in the indigenous AI solutions that cater to the unique needs of the African continent. ‘However, there’s still a need for more investment in AI infrastructure, talent development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully harness AI’s potential for societal impact.’
Dr Nasila also comments: ‘I firmly believe that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for driving innovation and impact in our field. Within AI, collaboration between computer scientists, mathematicians, and engineers is crucial for developing robust and efficient algorithms. Moreover, collaboration across disciplines, such as with healthcare professionals, economists, bankers and social scientists, is vital for developing AI solutions that are contextually relevant and socially responsible.’
He adds: ‘By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, we can co-create AI solutions that address complex real-world problems and have a meaningful impact on society. Interdisciplinary collaboration also fosters a deeper understanding of the ethical and societal implications of AI, ensuring that our work aligns with human values and promotes a more equitable and sustainable future.’
He says as a NITheCS associate, he is ‘proud to contribute to shaping the direction of theoretical and computational sciences in South Africa. Our committee’s diverse expertise spans AI, data science, and other cutting-edge fields, enabling us to drive innovation and address complex challenges. I am excited to help steer NITheCS towards achieving its vision of harnessing science and technology to transform our continent. Through our collective efforts, we aim to foster a vibrant research ecosystem, nurture talent, and develop solutions that impact society and improve lives.’
Inspiring young scientists
How do we inspire young scientists to pursue AI? Dr Nasila says we need to ‘spark their curiosity and passion for innovation. This can be achieved by providing hands-on AI experiences through workshops, hackathons and mentorship programmes. We must also showcase the real-world impact of AI in solving societal challenges, highlighting the potential to drive positive change. Furthermore, we should foster a collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinary approaches, creativity, and experimentation. By offering scholarships, grants, and recognition programmes, we can incentivise young talent to pursue AI research.’
In addition, ‘we need to promote diverse AI role models and stories, illustrating the diverse applications and career paths available in the field, to inspire a new generation of AI researchers who reflect the diversity of our global community.’
His message to young scientists? Dr Nasila’s response: ‘The future belongs to those who imagine, create, and innovate. As young scientists, you have the power to shape the world through your curiosity, creativity, and passion. Embrace the beauty of science, embrace the challenges, and most importantly, embrace the impact you can make. Remember, the science of today is the technology of tomorrow, and you are the leaders who will shape that future. So, dream big, work hard, and never stop exploring the wonders of science!’