A recent webinar hosted by the Newmark Group examined how Artificial Intelligence AI is changing healthcare across Africa, highlighting both its promise and its risks.

Newmark

The session, titled “AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges,” brought together healthcare and communications experts who agreed that AI can help fix long-standing problems in Africa’s health systems — but only if it is used carefully and responsibly.

Gilbert Manirakiza, CEO of Newmark Group in his opening speech said that AI is already helping speed up decision-making. He said AI tools can quickly analyse patient feedback, monitor conversations online, personalise health messages for different audiences and reduce delays in approvals.

He noted that many patients now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT to ask about symptoms and treatments. Because of this, he said health communicators must take responsibility for ensuring accurate information is available.

“If AI makes mistakes in healthcare, the consequences affect real lives,” he said.

Manirakiza stressed that Africa’s healthcare environment is unique. Many communities rely on mobile phones, speak different local languages and trust religious or community leaders. He warned that AI systems built mainly with Western data may misunderstand African realities.

He summarised his position simply: AI should help speed up work, but humans must ensure accuracy.

Daniel Marfo spoke about how AI is already being used in practical ways. Insurance companies now use AI systems to process thousands of claims daily. In hospitals, electronic medical records can suggest possible diagnoses and help doctors decide which patients need urgent attention.

He also said AI tools are helping detect problems in X-rays and MRI scans faster, especially in places where there are few radiologists. This reduces waiting time for patients.

At a national level, countries such as Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Ghana are building health data centres powered by AI to help governments track diseases and plan better responses.

However, Marfo warned that AI tools must be built using local medical guidelines to gain doctors’ trust. He emphasised that AI should support doctors, not replace them.

Dr. Afriyie Bempah focused on how AI can help countries prepare for health crises before they happen. He said resilience is not just about recovering from shocks, but about predicting them early.

He cited examples such as Kenya using AI to track mosquito patterns to predict malaria outbreaks, and Ghana using digital tools to improve disease reporting. In South Africa, digital health systems have been adapted to manage patients with chronic illnesses remotely.

He explained that linking clinics, pharmacies and supply chains through data sharing can help detect disease trends early and prevent large outbreaks.

During the question session, speakers discussed challenges such as data privacy, incorrect AI outputs, biased systems, and resistance from some healthcare workers.

They recommended clear rules for AI use, fact-checking AI-generated information, and creating internal review teams to monitor its application.

In their closing remarks, the panel encouraged healthcare professionals to learn how to work with AI tools to improve efficiency. They also urged young Africans to see healthcare technology as a major opportunity for innovation and investment.

The webinar concluded that AI is here to stay in healthcare. But its success in Africa will depend on strong regulation, local adaptation and continued human oversight — especially in a sector where mistakes can cost lives.

Conoil Plc is spreading joy this Valentine season as the first group of winners in its Valentine Bonanza promotion have been announced and rewarded. Launched on February 14, the campaign continues to delight customers at participating retail outlets.

The initial raffle draw, conducted on February 21, saw fortunate customers receive ₦10,000 worth of free petrol each. The draw was carried out publicly, with media representatives present to ensure full transparency. With the promotion still ongoing, more customers have the opportunity to join in and potentially be among the next winners.

A Conoil Management spokesperson explained that the initiative is a way to show appreciation to loyal customers for their ongoing support. “Our customers have responded impressively to the bonanza, with strong participation recorded across our stations,” the spokesperson said.

The second and final phase of the promotion is now in motion. Customers who purchase at least 10 litres of petrol at any participating Conoil station remain eligible to win in the grand finale raffle.

The grand finale is set for February 28 at 12 noon. Motorists in Lagos and Ogun states are encouraged to visit Conoil outlets to collect their tickets and take part in the exciting conclusion of this Valentine celebration.

PalmPay users took to the #LoveWithPalmPay campaign to show how experiences are powered through seamless banking.

It’s the month of love and social media has been filled with couples showing affection with gifts. As digital payments become embedded in everyday life, the way relationships are planned, funded, and experienced is evolving.

Recent insights from SBM Intelligence 2025 ‘Love in the Air’ report show that despite economic pressures, most Nigerians still set aside dedicated budgets for Valentine’s Day, with the largest percentage planning to spend between N51,000 and N100,000, while less than 5% are willing to spend above N500,000.

This growing intentionality highlights the need for platforms that help people manage their money more effectively, offering features like free transfers and tools that make it easier to send, track, and preserve funds while still showing up for meaningful moments.

Through the #LoveWithPalmPay campaign, PalmPay set out to show how the platform is enabling users to plan, pay, and celebrate meaningful moments with greater ease.

During the Valentine’s season, PalmPay invited couples across Nigeria to share their stories through the #LoveWithPalmPay campaign, celebrating how digital banking supports their individual expressions of love.

The campaign saw strong participation, with many PalmPay couples submitting entries that showcased how they use the app to plan surprises, pay for outings, and stay connected through everyday transactions.

From these entries, four couples were selected, each showcasing how PalmPay has enabled fast and reliable transactions in key moments.

One video from @simply.omotoshan, one of the selected couples, captures the role of seamless payments in making their spontaneous moments possible.

She said in her entry video: “Our cutest money moment with PalmPay was when we planned our Valentine’s picnic and realized we had forgotten half of the things we needed; literally, half of everything. We rushed to the mall to get cakes, food, decorations, and all the essentials. When it was time to pay, we used PalmPay.

“The transaction was smooth, fast, and stress-free.  In no time, we were done setting up our Valentine-themed picnic with everything perfectly ready. Honestly, all our experiences with PalmPay have been easy and satisfying, but this one is definitely our cutest money moment. Thank you, PalmPay.”

A testimonial from the fourth selected couple, Mohammed and his wife, reflects his excitement: “Hello PalmPay, thank you so much for selecting us as one of the winners of the #LoveWithPalmPay campaign. We truly appreciate this. My wife and I are very grateful. Thank you, PalmPay, for the love and support. We’re so happy and thankful for the N100,000 reward. We love you, PalmPay, and long live PalmPay. Thank you so much.”

Beyond the feel-good stories, the campaign reflects a broader shift: fintech is no longer just about transactions, it’s about enabling experiences. Reliable payments, fast transactions, and accessible financial tools reduce the friction that can disrupt important moments, allowing users to focus on connection rather than logistics.

From paying for dinner to managing other expenses, PalmPay continues to demonstrate how digital financial services support modern relationships, proving that in today’s economy, love is not only felt, it’s funded digitally.