Accra, Ghana//-MTN Ghana which believes that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life is working on redesigning its key app with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make it more accessible to visually impaired users.
The My MTN App which has been in use for some time now would be more accessible and usable to the visually impaired community after it is resigned with the AI.
The Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Dario Bianchi disclosed this during a panel discussion on the last day of the just-ended 3i Africa Summit held in Accra.
He explained: “By incorporating AI, we can create a more intuitive and inclusive experience for our visually impaired customers”.
Mr Bianchi emphasised: “We need to move beyond USSD and explore more digital solutions that are user-friendly for all, regardless of their disabilities”.
He therefore highlighted the need to move beyond traditional Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology to AI and other advanced technologies to accommodate various people including the different abled people.
Speaking on the topic ‘ Shaping an Equitable Digital Future for Africa’, Mr Bianchi admitted that the USSD has been instrumental in providing basic mobile services to many people in Ghana and across Africa and other parts of the world.
However, it is time to explore more advanced digital solutions that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, according to him.
Mr Bianchi went on to underscore the importance of an equitable digital future in Africa to ensure fair access and equitable opportunities for all categories of people.
MTN’s ongoing efforts to reach diverse populations across various sectors with digital products and services are unmatched.
“At MTN, we believe everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life. We are constantly working on innovative ways to reach people across all areas and sectors to provide them access to digital products and services.”
Mr Bianchi called for a strong collaboration across various sectors and industries to achieve an equitable digital future for all.
He used the opportunity to stress the importance of partnerships among fintech companies, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to design and implement digital solutions effectively and efficiently.
In his own words: “There is still a long way to go, but through collaboration between fintech, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies, we will be able to design the right solutions to make digital services more accessible”.
While acknowledging the existence of barriers that hinder digital inclusivity, Mr Bianchi called for united efforts to address the barriers to ensure that all individuals benefit from technological advancements.
Locally, he underscored MTN Ghana’s unique dedication to fostering an inclusive digital landscape which is critical to the socioeconomic development of the country.
Instructively, the just-ended 3i Africa Summit is a collaborative initiative by the Bank of Ghana, the Development Bank of Ghana, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to showcase and stimulate Africa’s FinTech and digital potential.
The global event also focused on transforming Africa’s economic landscape through sustainable, long-term capital allocation.
It addresses the critical need for a sustainable growth framework in Africa, emphasizing inclusion and sustainability at its core.
