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

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