AI-to-AI engagement – humans optional!

The near future holds the potential for a transformative scenario where a procurement AI platform negotiates directly with another company’s AI platform. AI interaction could lead to seamless supply agreements with no delays, coffee breaks or human intervention.

Agentic AI is rapidly evolving, where machines are no longer just tools, but intelligent, active agents empowered to negotiate, transact and collaborate with minimal direct human supervision. The future may be uncertain, but the potential for efficiency and growth in a world where human involvement may become secondary or, in fact, not necessary, is immense.

The rapid rise of AI

Both globally and locally, AI is being integrated into all business processes. Major retailers, such as Shoprite, use AI to forecast inventory needs, while financial institutions, like Standard Bank, deploy AI to detect fraud. Small business payment platforms like Yoco have harnessed AI to expedite transactions. The digital economy, driven by technological advancements from Vodacom’s 5G and MTN’s cloud infrastructure, is projected to account for 20% of South Africa’s GDP by 2025.

A new era is emerging, where AIs interact directly. For example, trading bots bid for advertising space, and procurement systems negotiate prices autonomously, marking a significant shift from human-instructed and guided AI to a self-sustaining machine ecosystem. And the pace of change is only accelerating.

Cybersecurity – risks and safeguards

With increased AI autonomy comes heightened risk, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. In 2024, South Africa suffered a loss of over R2 billion due to cybercrime, making AI systems that handle sensitive transactions attractive targets.

At the same time, AI can play a pivotal defensive role by identifying threats in real time. With robust security protocols, AIs can help prevent cyberattacks, providing businesses with greater assurance in their technological capabilities.

Transforming commerce and logistics

Consider a retailer’s AI in Durban negotiating with a supplier’s AI in China, adjusting deal terms as the rand fluctuates, or a mining company’s AI rerouting shipments based on live traffic data. These scenarios are already becoming a reality. Solutions like Peach Payments’ RTC Payouts, launched in August 2025, enable instant AI-driven payments.

Soon, marketplaces will emerge where hundreds of AIs will trade, set prices, and manage logistics within milliseconds, dramatically boosting efficiency. This is an ideal fit for South Africa’s $10 billion e-commerce industry. However, the implications affect all businesses, whether they are trading, consulting or offering any service.

Building a connected AI ecosystem

For AI-to-AI systems to thrive, interoperability is essential. Without universal APIs or communication protocols, AI systems risk becoming isolated, unable to interact with others – much like attempting to make a WhatsApp call to a landline.

International organisations, such as ISO, are developing standards, and all companies should try to avoid vendor lock-in. Local South African platforms, such as Proudly SA’s Market Access, could help facilitate seamless cross-border AI trading.

The evolving human role

Humans remain integral to the AI landscape, though their roles are changing. Rather than direct involvement, people will…

Steven Ambrose | CEO | DR Insight | mail me |

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