MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis

Doctor of Stars & Teacher of AI | Yabebal Fantaye, PhD | 10 Academy & Tenacious Intelligence Corp.

Elvis speaks with Dr. Yabebal Fantaye, a cosmologist-turned-AI educator and co-founder of 10 Academy, about transforming African talent into global AI professionals through intensive boot camps. From analysing the universe with 10,000 supercomputers at Berkeley to building Ethiopia's AI workforce pipeline, Yabebal shares his remarkable journey from pursuing a Nobel Prize in physics to democratizing AI education across 21 African countries.   They explore 10 Academy's intensive 3-month programs that transform beginners into job-ready AI engineers, as well as their ambitious AI4E project, targeting 1 million Africans with AI literacy. Yabebal reveals how generative AI is collapsing trust barriers for African outsourcers and why he believes Ethiopia's demographic dividend positions the country for an AI-powered economic breakthrough.   About Yabebal Fantaye:  Dr. Yabebal Fantaye is a cosmologist, data scientist, and AI educator who bridges cutting-edge research with practical education. With a PhD in Cosmology from SISSA, he worked on the Planck Consortium, analysing cosmic microwave background data alongside Nobel laureates. A World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2018) and member of the Global Future Councils, he was named among the 50 most influential Africans by Jeune Afrique Magazine. He co-founded 10 Academy in 2020 and Tenacious Intelligence Corp in 2021 and leads Astrobus Ethiopia, promoting critical thinking across the country. His work applies AI to both cosmological datasets and African development monitoring.   Connect with Yabebal: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yabebal-fantaye/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yabebal-fantaye/]  * GitHub: https://github.com/yabebalFantaye [https://github.com/yabebalFantaye] * 10 Academy: https://10academy.org/ [https://10academy.org/]    Connect with Elvis:  Website: https://meliacred.com [https://meliacred.com]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvismelia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvismelia/]  Substack: https://elvismeliacred.substack.com [https://elvismeliacred.substack.com]    Find us on:  LinkedIn: @meliacred  Instagram: @meliacred  X/Twitter: https://x.com/ailemsivle [https://x.com/ailemsivle]  TikTok: @meliacred1 About this Podcast: "MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis" explores how AI and automation reshape work, education, and economic development, particularly in Africa. This interview was conducted as part of fieldwork for research on "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Business Services in Ghana and Rwanda" for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Invest for Jobs – Special initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition." #AI #Ethiopia #10Academy #AIEducation #AfricaTech #Cosmology #FutureOfWork #AILiteracy #Outsourcing #TechBootcamp #GlobalBusinessServices #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #DataScience #TechEducation #AfricanTalent

AI Sniff Test I The People in Services-as-Software I David Cushman I HFS

Elvis speaks with David Cushman, Executive Research Leader at HFS Research, about how to separate hype from reality in agentic and generative AI and what a shift toward Services-as-Software means for people, providers, and clients. They explore where AI hits first in services, especially CX/BPO, why headcounts haven’t collapsed yet, and how value migrates toward human-AI teams and enterprise agents that actually do work. About David Cushman: David is Executive Research Leader at HFS Research, where he focuses on generative & agentic AI, automation, and the future of enterprise operations. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of HFS’s Hot Tech program and is the author of The 10 Principles of Open Business (Palgrave Macmillan). Connect with David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcushman HFS Research: https://www.hfsresearch.com Connect with Elvis: Website: https://meliacred.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvismelia/ Substack: https://elvismeliacred.substack.com Find us on: LinkedIn: @meliacred Instagram: @meliacred X/Twitter: https://x.com/ailemsivle TikTok: @meliacred1 About this Podcast: MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis explores how AI, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping work, education, and economic development — particularly in Africa and the Global South. This interview is part of fieldwork for research on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Business Services in Ghana and Rwanda.”  Video Production: MinabTech for MeliaCRED. #AgenticAI #HumanAICollaboration #FutureOfWork #GBS #GCC #AfricaTech #HFSResearch #MeliaCRED

AI in World Football | Ethiopia’s Moneyballers | Wondwesen Zewdie

Elvis speaks with Wondwesen Zewdie about what happens when data, algorithms, and national identity collide on the football pitch. They explore R&D Group’s “Moneyball” contribution to professional football analytics with artificial intelligence, and the Ethiopian outsourcing association’s (EOA’s) approach to regional and global networking in the Global Business Services sector. From data-driven solutions in one of Africa's fastest-growing economies to the geopolitical forces influencing AI's future, this conversation covers insights about innovation, strategy, and global interconnectedness.  About Wondwesen Zewdie: Wondwesen Zewdie is the Managing Partner at R&D Group, a pioneering Ethiopian outsourcing and technology company known for its work in sports analytics, AI-driven data services, and talent development. With over 15 years of experience building scalable teams and platforms, Wondwesen has helped position Ethiopia as a rising hub for global business services. Beyond his leadership at R&D Group, he is also the founding president of the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association, where he advocates for the country’s growing role in the global digital economy. Connect with Wondwesen: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wondwesen-zewdie-46896461/ * Website: http://www.randdethiopia.com Connect with Elvis: * Website: https://meliacred.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvismelia/ * Substack: https://elvismeliacred.substack.com Find us on: * LinkedIn: @meliacred * Instagram: @meliacred * X/Twitter: https://x.com/ailemsivle * TikTok: @meliacred1  About this podcast: MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis explores how AI, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping work, education, and economic development particularly in Africa and the Global South.  Video Production: MinabTech for MeliaCRED. This episode is part of fieldwork for research on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Business Services in Ghana and Rwanda” which you can find on Substack at https://elvismeliacred.substack.com/p/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence  #AIandFootball #MoneyballAfrica #AIForDevelopment #FutureOfWork #DigitalColonialism #AGI #AfricaTech #AIandPower #GlobalSouth #ElvisMelia #MeliaCRED

Life after AGI | Georgina Hutchinson

Elvis speaks with Georgina Hutchinson, Associate Partner at Dalberg Data Insights and former Senior Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Georgina has spent years at the intersection of technology, policy, and governance, working to democratize AI for the public good. In this episode, they explore what life could look like in the company of artificial general intelligence (AGI). From AI consciousness to job creation in the Global South, from digital public infrastructure to the ethics of AI-enabled decision-making. This conversation digs into the messy, exhilarating, and uncertain terrain of the post-AGI era.   Topics Covered: – What happens after AGI? – Could Africa thrive in an AI-powered gig economy? – Universal Basic Income in the Global South: pipe dream or smart policy? – Does critical thinking still matter in an AI-dominated world? – The risks of lifeless AI systems convincing us that they are conscious – What AI safety looks like in an unregulated arms race – How art and the human experience may become more important   About Georgina Hutchinson: Georgina is an Associate Partner at Dalberg Data Insights, where she works to make AI accessible and impactful for public sector and development-focused institutions. Previously, she was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she supported governments across Africa on digital transformation and AI readiness. She holds degrees from SOAS University of London and the University of Cambridge.   Connect with Georgina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-hutchinson-95505218/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-hutchinson-95505218/]    Connect with Elvis: 🌍 Website: MeliaCRED [https://meliacred.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn: @elvismelia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvismelia] ✏️  Substack: elvismeliacred [https://elvismeliacred.substack.com/] Find us on: 📍 LinkedIn: @meliacred [https://www.linkedin.com/company/meliacred] 📷 Instagram: @meliacred [https://www.instagram.com/meliacred] 🕊 X/Twitter: https://x.com/ailemsivle [https://x.com/ailemsivle] 🎵 TikTok: @meliacred1    About this podcast: MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis explores how AI, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping work, education, and economic development—particularly in Africa and the Global South.  Video Production: MinabTech for MeliaCRED.   This episode is part of fieldwork for research on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Business Services in Ghana and Rwanda”which you can find on Substack at https://elvismeliacred.substack.com/p/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence [https://elvismeliacred.substack.com/p/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence]      #AGI #FutureOfWork #AIForDevelopment #AIConsciousness #AfricaTech #DigitalGovernance #UBI #CriticalThinking #GigEconomy #Dalberg #AIandEthics #AIandPolicy #AI4Gov #AI4Good #ElvisMelia #MeliaCRED

Computer Scientist by Trade, Teacher at Heart | Scaling Kenya‘s Technology Talent | Jente Rosseel

Elvis speaks with Jente Rosseel, founder and CEO of Elewa, a Nairobi-based technology and education company working primarily with startups and SMEs across Europe, the UK, and South Africa. Jente shares his journey from Belgium to Kenya, detailing how Elewa bridges the gap between ambitious startups and cutting-edge technological solutions through innovative apprenticeship programs, managed talent accelerators, and professional development. They explore how Elewa evolved from an EdTech startup into a dynamic group that provides comprehensive technology services, including product design, software development, and ERP systems integration. About Jente Rosseel: Jente Rosseel is the founder and CEO of Elewa, a versatile engineer by trade and an educator at heart. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jente is passionate about leveraging technology and innovative educational models to unlock human potential. Elewa provides robust technological solutions for startups and SMEs while creating meaningful job opportunities through apprenticeship programs and senior talent accelerators. Under his leadership, Elewa has earned recognition including the UNESCO ICT in Education Prize and selection for Google’s Launchpad Africa Accelerator. Connect with Jente: LinkedIn:   / jrosseel  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3Z6ZEphSVpneW5uYUV5Ymc2ZUdSUkFFY0NYQXxBQ3Jtc0tsY2hLUnpXSFJQT3dKZ0xIOWlFS3VQSE1OaVFjcG8yVmVOQUV3ODk0aUpxUjZvNFZzaGVqQ3JOZUtqazJINDJnSkw5cTZ2TkFialVvZXFKbnlZOEtzSFV3aVMybWJINTRnWWR4eXNxb2trOV9YRm5Mbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fjrosseel%2F&v=xC_E1eq8xoI] Elewa: elewa.co.ke Connect with Elvis: Website: https://meliacred.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1ZSbnZ1Q052Zzc3RWFCelpTMGNWQXdpb28zUXxBQ3Jtc0trWUVKakwxRVNpWGktcjdodDZrTDRxTUVZRzVXc2VQNFk3V0JnNy1ZV3ZYZWxETzltSERSd194NktycHZaa2JOWDI3aGhzaUZDa09Makh2VlpNS1pOSk8tZWZrVkFpVTh5MU15QzRTTkpsNWF3cnRUVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmeliacred.com%2F&v=xC_E1eq8xoI] LinkedIn:   / elvismelia  Find us on: LinkedIn:   / meliacred  Instagram:   / meliacred  X/Twitter: https://x.com/ailemsivle [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3NORmRyMmxEWmZEWEp0S0hJaG1yck9YQUZ5Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuT3Ffa014Smtmb0VONHp6dDhRX3FEZE1Ldi1zUEN0Vk9wZGhJUzJiLTRXZ19DeDVFcWxiYTNIUlRGdjNOU2s4eHJOMUZiMGdILTg3MFpUeE1nMFpVVzBCRk9UdzNlVl9RblhjZUlDYTlNMUxpNzZUcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Failemsivle&v=xC_E1eq8xoI] TikTok:   / meliacred1 About this Podcast: MeliaCRED: Conversations with Elvis explores how AI, automation, and innovative technology are reshaping work, education, and economic development, particularly in Africa. This interview is part of fieldwork for research on "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Global Business Services in Ghana and Rwanda" for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Invest for Jobs Special initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition." Video Production: MinabTech for MeliaCRED. #KenyaTech [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/kenyatech] #AI [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai] #Innovation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/innovation] #Elewa [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/elewa] #Startups [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/startups] #SME [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sme] #Technology [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/technology] #FutureOfWork [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureofwork] #TalentDevelopment [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/talentdevelopment] #EdTech [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/edtech] #GBS [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/gbs] https://www.yo