Held under the theme "Embracing AI and Digital Transformation," the seminar brought together managers, executives, and leaders from various institutions to explore how AI can enhance leadership, improve decision-making, and drive organizational transformation.

Speaking during the seminar, MDC Manager Dr. Ella Kangaude said the training was designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by exposing participants to practical AI applications and demonstrating how organizations are successfully integrating AI into their daily operations.

She said the knowledge gained would enable leaders to take the lead in AI adoption and guide their teams in using the technology effectively and responsibly.

"We want leaders to understand how to use AI strategically so they can guide their teams on how best to use it. We want them to return to their workplaces and champion AI as a tool for better decision-making and organizational success," she said.

The guest speaker for the seminar, Dr. Wisely Phiri, Chief Executive Officer of Sparc Systems, emphasized the critical role of leadership in driving AI adoption. He noted that embracing AI would enable organizations to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

He urged organizations to focus on understanding and adopting AI responsibly rather than avoiding the technology.

"Executives are the ones who set the direction of organizations, and they need to embrace AI in their operations to remain competitive. Without embracing AI, organizations will miss opportunities to compete, innovate, and respond effectively to today's challenges," he said.

One of the participants, Charles Belo, Chief Executive Officer of FINCA Malawi, described the seminar as insightful, saying it deepened his understanding of AI implementation and would help organizations improve efficiency and achieve better outcomes.

"The seminar exceeded my expectations. It has given me a better understanding of how to adopt AI responsibly and use it to make faster, more informed decisions," he said.

Through initiatives such as this, the Management Development Centre (MDC) continues to strengthen the capacity of organizations by providing relevant skills to navigate emerging technologies. The Centre has also developed a short course that will equip professionals with practical AI skills in finance, human resources, marketing, and other functional areas, enabling organizations to integrate AI effectively into their operations.