Eswatini-based Malawian Kampeni advocates for AI-driven development across Africa

MBABANE-(MaraviPost)-Malawian International Relations and Development Studies expert, Mphatso Kampeni, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform Africa’s economies and education systems if adopted responsibly and strategically.

In an interview with Maravi Post, Kampeni who is based in the Kingdom of Eswatini, recently graduated from the University of Eswatini as a Generative AI for Educators Practitioner.

He described his achievement as a major milestone, noting that AI is set to revolutionise the way various sectors operate across the African continent.

“I feel greatly accomplished knowing that AI is here to revolutionise the way we work in different sectors of our African economies,” said kampeni.

Why AI Matters for Africa

According to Kampeni, AI is reshaping global economies and education systems, and Africa stands to benefit significantly from its adoption.

He outlined several key areas where AI can drive development on the continent.

Economic Development

Kampeni explained that AI-powered automation can increase productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, and services by optimising inputs, predicting equipment failures, and supporting smart supply-chain management.

He pointed to AI-based crop-monitoring applications that are helping small-scale farmers improve yields while reducing water and fertiliser use.

Kampeni added that although some traditional jobs may be replaced, AI is creating new industries in fields such as data annotation, fintech, renewable-energy management, and health-tech diagnostics, ultimately generating new high-skill employment opportunities.

He further noted that machine-learning models using alternative data sources such as satellite imagery and mobile-money transactions are helping financial institutions assess creditworthiness for underserved populations, thereby improving access to loans for farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Said kampeni:”In addition,AI is enhancing the management of key resources by improving the delivery of electricity, water, and transport services.

“Predictive maintenance of off-grid solar systems, for instance, reduces downtime and ensures more reliable access to clean energy.”

Education

In the education sector, Kampeni highlighted the potential of AI to support personalised learning.

He said adaptive learning tools can analyse each student’s progress and adjust content instantly, helping learners in overcrowded or remote classrooms stay on track.

He also emphasised that AI can ease teachers’ workloads by automating tasks such as grading and feedback generation, giving educators more time to mentor students and encourage critical thinking.

Kampeni also discussed the role of natural-language processing in expanding access to learning materials.

He said:”These tools can rapidly translate educational content into local languages, promoting inclusivity and improving comprehension.”

He added that by analysing enrolment, attendance, and performance data, education ministries can make more informed decisions, identify problem areas quickly, and allocate resources more effectively.

Challenges to Address

Kampeni cautioned that Africa must overcome several obstacles to fully benefit from AI.

He stressed that reliable electricity and internet connectivity remain limited in many rural areas and that significant investment in digital infrastructure is needed.

He also pointed out that there is a considerable shortage of AI experts and data scientists across the continent, making capacity-building crucial.

Kampeni further noted that strong privacy regulations and accurate, representative datasets are essential to ensure responsible AI use.

Additionally, he warned that without deliberate planning, AI could deepen inequalities by benefiting urban populations more than those in remote communities.

Looking Ahead

Kampeni expressed optimism that, with coordinated action among governments, the private sector, academia, and international partners, AI can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

He expressed hope that when properly integrated, AI can improve health outcomes, enhance agricultural productivity, expand financial services, and deliver quality education to millions of Africans.

He emphasised that success will depend on building digital infrastructure, developing local expertise, and establishing regulatory frameworks that protect citizens while supporting innovation.


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Jana Kramer Shares Update on Where She Stands With Child Vaccinations

Jana Kramer is standing firm in her beliefs about vaccinating her children.

“I listened to a podcast episode about giving the baby a vax — what did you end up doing?” a fan asked Kramer, 42, in an Instagram Stories Q&A on Thursday, December 4.

Kramer responded, “The update I will give is we changed doctors’ offices to where it’s our choice and can ask as many questions and have the choice to do or not to do and not the … ‘if you don’t, then you’re not allowed to be in this office’ approach.”

Back in February, Kramer claimed on her “Whine Down” podcast that during a visit to her former doctor’s office, she “essentially got blamed” for her son having an ear infection because she had been “behind” on his vaccinations.

Jinger Duggar Explains Why She’s ‘Anti-Medicine’ After Daughter’s ER Visit

“I didn’t like how that felt. I got turned off by that comment, and so it didn’t make me want to go back to that office, because I’m like, ‘You just blamed me for my child having an ear infection.’ So like, I didn’t like that. I don’t even know why I’m crying, but like, it just made me feel like a bad mom or something,” she admitted.

Kramer shares daughter Jolie, 9, and son Jace, 7, with ex-husband Mike Caussin, as well as son Roman, 2, with husband Allan Russell.

The One Tree Hill alum added that she felt “overwhelmed” knowing that Roman “needs so many vaccinations,” but she also wasn’t sure if she trusted vaccinations yet.

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Jana Kramer/Instagram

Kramer previously discussed vaccinations during a 2020 episode of her podcast, featuring special guests Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist and the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services as of 2025, and Dr. Abe Malkin, M.D., who is board-certified in family medicine and addiction medicine.

Kramer also spoke to Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has taken both a pro- and anti-vaccine stance, during another podcast episode in 2020. The pair discussed the widely disputed theory that vaccinations cause autism.

“To vaccinate or not to vaccinate. It’s been something that has quite frankly kept me up at night,” Kramer wrote via Instagram at the time. “If I’m being super honest, I’ve done the most amount of research since I’ve had Jace, since I’ve always heard about autism and boys with the [measles, mumps and rubella vaccine]. The more research I’ve done, I’ve questioned myself and thought, ‘Omg, am I the reason Jolie had a speech delay because of her vaccines?’”

Jana Kramer Explains Why She Doesn’t Always Use Sunscreen on Her 3 Kids

The “Whiskey” singer continued, “As you can see, I don’t know the answers, and I have just prayed that I am doin the right thing but I sure wish there was a definite answer one way or another because for every article I see it gets debunked by the other. Quite frankly it’s exhausting.”

Kramer added that “another issue is the fact that people can be so mean” no matter which side of the debate one chooses to be on.

“So please, in the comments, don’t hate on me for vaccinating, don’t hate on others who have different opinions. Please offer your knowledge, but don’t be mean if someone doesn’t agree. Can we just agree to disagree kindly and have healthy conversations?” she concluded.


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Blue Bloods’ Andrew Terraciano Breaks Silence on the Spinoff Recasting Sean

Blue Bloods star Andrew Terraciano has finally opened up about passing down the role of Sean Reagan after the character was recast in the Boston Blue spinoff.

“It’s beautiful because you’ll always remember every single line and every day that you had the opportunity to be that character,” Terraciano, 22, exclusively told Us Weekly about his time on the hit CBS series. “It doesn’t mean for even a second that somebody else can’t go and do something beautiful with it.”

Terraciano expressed gratitude for his time on Blue Bloods. “I got the joy of playing Sean, and I got to send him off into the world,” he noted. “Now somebody else gets that joy. We’re both getting to show what we do and then send Sean off into the world.”

CBS viewers have gotten very familiar with Terraciano after he got his start playing Donnie Wahlberg‘s onscreen son. The actor appeared in nearly 300 episodes from 2010 to 2024 before the show came to an end. Blue Bloods expanded into Boston Blue, but the role of Sean was recast with newcomer Mika Amonsen.

Boston Blue’s Recasting of Donnie Wahlberg’s Son From ‘Blue Bloods’ Explained

“I had somebody call me — actually the day that I was graduating — and they had spoken to my mom and she called me [crying]. They were like, ‘They might be looking for a different Sean,’” Terraciano recalled how he learned the news initially. “Shortly after we got the news, Donnie called me. It was a really beautiful moment of getting to hear from an old friend but also somebody that you respect so much and have learned so much from.”

Terraciano appreciated hearing from Wahlberg, telling Us, “We had such an amazing experience on Blue Bloods that when we talk we’ll always be friends and family first. I’m happy that there are so many other people that now get to share in that amazing experience.”

BLUE BLOODS
CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

While Terraciano has yet to watch Boston Blue as he focuses on his studies — he is looking forward to checking in.

“I’m going to give it the time and the respect that it deserves,” he noted. “[But in terms of returning in some capacity] I said it to Donnie on the phone. If he says the word, I’ll be there. Not just with Blue Bloods or Boston Blue but with anything in life.”

As Boston Blue has proven to Us, Sean Reagan’s legacy on Blue Bloods has made him beloved to the fans. Terraciano wasn’t expecting the outpouring of love that ensued once he wrapped up his run in the fan favorite role — but he is grateful for the support now.

“I can’t say that I expected it but I appreciate it,” he shared. “It’s so meaningful to know that people love the character that I got to share in creating. I didn’t expect it to say the least.”

When Us spoke to Amonsen in a separate interview, he shared the way he wanted to pay tribute to Terraciano, who was grateful for the thought.

“I appreciate it because not only has there been such an outcry of love from the community but there’s also a very clear love coming to the show,” he explained. “It’s hundreds if not thousands of people who depend on their livelihood for a show to be made. It really is amazing that part of that character remains. Somebody can look back and say, ‘I want to pay homage to that. I want to respect that and I want to work on making something beautiful.’”

Relive the ‘Blue Bloods’ Cast’s Sweetest Moment On and Off Camera

Terraciano made it clear that he walked away from the Blue Bloods set with years-worth of meaningful memories.

“The role provided me with such an insight into not only my own life but the lives of so many others. Because every time that you’re acting, you are learning so much about yourself and about the other person,” he explained. “So when you act with the same people for so long, you get such a deep understanding and you develop such a love for them.”

Blue Bloods
Instagram

In addition to Wahlberg, Terraciano got to share the screen with costars such as Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Len Cariou, Will Estes, Marisa Ramirez and Vanessa Ray.

“If they had asked us, I’m sure every single person in the cast would have happily stayed [on Blue Bloods] for the rest of our lives. When we found out that it was the end, I don’t think any of us really let ourselves accept for even a moment that it was a real thing that was ending,” he told Us. “When we had our last dinner scene, we just sat there. For half an hour we just went around the table telling the same old jokes that we had a thousand times before and asking the same questions that we had a thousand times before. None of us were willing to be the first to get up.”

For Terraciano, Blue Bloods provided him with a TV family. He recalled to Us how “emotionally devastating” it felt to film the finale — and how the cast has remained in each other’s lives since then.

‘Blue Bloods’ Cast Has Changed a lot From Season 1 to Season 14: A Look Back

“It was coming to terms with the thought that this opportunity is changing very, very significantly. But because of having had that opportunity, you are all getting propelled into the future in such a beautiful way,” he recalled. “I’m still in touch with a lot of people from the cast and crew. I speak to them fairly often. I’ve made a lot of friends through Blue Bloods that I will never lose.”

The hit CBS series also gave him the role of a lifetime.

Blue Bloods
Instagram

“After knowing these people for 15 years, you go out into the world with everything that they’ve given you and you hope that you’ve given them something,” he gushed. “You hold them in your heart and that they’re never gone. It was a weird kind of grief — but Sean had grown into his own thing.”

He continued: “Sean had become who he needed to be by the end of the show. So I was happy to send a character off into the world and I was happy to send my loving friends off into the world.”

Terraciano is currently getting his Masters — but he is also looking forward to other opportunities that may come his way.

“At the end of last spring, I got the fantastic opportunity to work in a dear friend director Sabrina Carlier’s rendition of Annie Baker’s The Antipodes. Not only did I have that amazing opportunity that was my first play that I’ve ever been in but it really pulled me into the theater world,” he explained. “It showed me how much love I have for all forms of acting. I helped produce a friend’s short film recently, and I look forward to every opportunity that I get to act.”

He continued: “You get a passion and you can’t get rid of it to continue to act and continue to participate in creating in any way, shape or form. I would love more than anything to be an actor for the rest of my life. But I’m a huge Star Wars fanatic so I would really do anything [in that universe]. And I would love to try out a sitcom.”

Blue Bloods is streaming on Paramount+.


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George Pickens Unloads On Richard Sherman In Deleted Post, ‘P**** Ass’

George Pickens just wrote another chapter in his “Book of Deleted Instagram Disses” — this time, the Cowboys receiver ripped into ex-NFLer Richard Sherman for comments made on “Thursday Night Football.” Just a week after Pickens set his sights on…


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