Workday Horizon Returns to SA: Boosting AI in Business

What happened

Workday Horizon, a global event focused on how companies can successfully implement artificial intelligence (AI) to improve business outcomes, is returning to Johannesburg on 2 June. This event brings together industry leaders, technology experts and business owners to explore practical ways to move AI from experimental projects to measurable value.

Why it matters

Across the world, AI is transforming how businesses operate — from streamlining workflows to enhancing customer experiences and driving innovation. However, many organisations, especially small businesses, still struggle to understand how to apply AI in a way that delivers real, measurable benefits rather than just proof-of-concept experiments.

The Workday Horizon event addresses these challenges by sharing success stories, best practices and tools to help businesses increase productivity, reduce costs and make smarter decisions using AI. Bringing this conversation to South Africa is significant given the country's growing tech ecosystem and the need for competitive advantage in tough economic conditions.

What this means for South Africans

For South African small business owners, job seekers and consumers, the return of Workday Horizon to Johannesburg signals greater access to knowledge on one of the fastest-growing technologies. AI is no longer just the domain of large corporations or tech startups; it is increasingly available via cloud services and software platforms that local businesses can adopt.

Job seekers could see AI create new roles in fields like data analysis, AI support and automation management. Meanwhile, consumers might benefit from improved service delivery and more personalised experiences as businesses adopt AI tools.

South African businesses operating in industries such as retail, finance, healthcare and manufacturing can gain insights on how to leverage AI to overcome common challenges like supply chain disruptions, fluctuating demand and cost pressures.

Impact on consumers, jobs and small businesses

AI adoption can help reduce operational costs, which might translate to better prices and improved services for consumers. For small businesses, AI-powered automation could handle routine tasks, freeing up owners and employees to focus on growth, creativity and customer relationships.

However, the pace of AI integration also requires workers to upskill and adapt. Training programs focused on AI literacy and digital skills will be crucial for South Africans looking to enter or remain in the workforce as technology changes job requirements.

Workday Horizon’s event can inspire collaboration between businesses, educational institutions and government bodies to develop AI skills locally.

Risks and limitations

While AI offers many benefits, it also comes with risks. For South African businesses, challenges include ensuring data privacy, avoiding biased algorithms, and managing the costs of adoption.

Small business owners must carefully evaluate AI tools to ensure they fit their needs and budget, rather than adopting technology for technology’s sake. Additionally, AI cannot replace human judgement and creativity—it's a tool to augment rather than replace people.

There is also the risk that unequal access to AI technology could widen existing economic divides if some companies or workers are left behind.

South African policymakers and business leaders will need to focus on inclusive AI strategies, support for small businesses, and education initiatives to ensure technology benefits are widely shared.

Source: Workday Horizon Joburg event announcement

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