Acer - Bridging the Digital Divide in South Africa with AI-Ready Technology

“To truly integrate these innovative tools, corporate trainings and collaboration with partners to develop pilot projects are essential” - Cristina Pez, Commercial Director B2B and Education at Acer EMEA

As South Africa accelerates its journey toward a digital economy, artificial intelligence is shifting from a futuristic concept to a practical tool for growth. Recent market monitoring from CONTEXT reveals that 44% of PCs sold in Europe are now equipped with "AI Ready" chipsets , a trend that is rapidly gaining momentum in the South African market as businesses look to modernize through hardware refresh cycles.

Turning AI into an "Accelerator of Innovation" for SMEs

At the recent “Artificial Intelligence – Real Economy” event, Cristina Pez, Commercial Director B2B and Education at Acer EMEA, emphasized that hardware is only the first step. “To truly integrate these innovative tools, corporate training and the collaboration with our partners to develop pilot projects are essential,” Pez stated.

In the South African context, where SMEs are the backbone of the economy, these "AI Ready" devices provide a critical edge. By using AI to automate administrative tasks, analyze complex data, and enhance quality control, local businesses can reduce operational complexity and free up resources for innovation. This is demonstrated by cases like elasticStage, a UK-based startup that has successfully integrated AI to scale its creative production while maintaining high artistic standards.

Education: Empowering the Next Generation of South Africans

The application of AI in education is a primary focus for Acer as it aligns with South Africa’s national drive for digital literacy. Acer and Intel have developed the Skills for Innovation project—a training program designed to support teachers and students in developing critical skills like data analysis and critical thinking.

1.       Personalized Learning: AI offers new opportunities to make educational paths more inclusive and personalized to individual student needs.

2.       Supporting Educators: "Technological tools do not replace teachers; they free them, give them back time, and allow them to have a clearer view of their students’ progress," noted Pez.

3.       Hardware for the Classroom: Acer’s convertible devices, designed through direct discussions with educators, support multiple usage modes to adapt to diverse teaching environments.

Sustainable Innovation through Proximity

In South Africa’s unique landscape—where energy efficiency and reliable performance are paramount—Acer’s commitment to the three pillars of proximity, listening, and training ensures that technology remains a sustainable tool for value.

“AI-ready PCs are quickly moving into the mainstream,” says Marie-Christine Pygott, senior analyst at CONTEXT. For South Africa, this transition represents more than just a hardware upgrade; it is a pathway to closing the digital divide and enabling a world where hardware, software, and services fuse to create new possibilities for all.  Download relevant images here -  https://we.tl/t-NYZpSXEU3u

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer's 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

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