The Technology is There
At the 2025 US Open women’s final, Amanda Anisimova found herself distracted by an unusual factor: the stadium lighting. With the Arthur Ashe roof closed due to afternoon rain, the court lights cast a stark, white glow. “I can’t see the ball!” she quipped mid-serve. Her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, seemed unfazed — and went on to win the match. Whether Anisimova’s struggles were down to the lighting, first-final nerves, or simply Sabalenka’s superior play, the moment was telling.
It reminded me of another incident — this time at Wimbledon in the early 1990s. A men’s final stretched over several rain-soaked days, forcing a frustrated BBC commentator to remark: “The technology is there!” Back then, Wimbledon organisers resisted installing a retractable roof, clinging to tradition. Eventually, they relented. Today, Centre Court’s roof is a staple.
What do these stories have in common? Change — and our reaction to it. Whether it’s stadium lighting, retractable roofs, or artificial intelligence in the workplace, new technologies often divide opinion. Risks are real and should be managed carefully. But history shows there is rarely a path backwards. Customers, employees, and markets expect progress. For Africa, this is an opportunity. Just as the continent leapfrogged landlines with mobile phones, AI offers a similar springboard. Not every use case has to be groundbreaking. It might be as practical as generating AI-assisted designs for a luxury train interior — using cost-effective, locally sourced materials.
In New York, Anisimova’s coach eventually told her to “zip it” and focus on the game. At Wimbledon, tradition gave way to technology when the customer experience demanded it.
Because in business, as in sport, the playing field is global — and customers always vote with their feet.
African leaders and business executives cannot afford to be left behind. The time to build capacity in AI is now. Equip yourself and your teams with practical, hands-on knowledge to harness these technologies for real impact. To explore customised AI coaching and advisory tailored to your business context, reach out to organisations like Shangazi Limited — and start your AI journey today.
