Nairobi, Aug. 23 -- The biggest mistake businesses make is believing that technology is an end in itself. Without it being purpose-led, there is no true value.

History is littered with examples of groundbreaking innovations that failed to gain traction and simple ideas that transformed industries.

The difference was whether the innovation solved a real problem, met a genuine need and created meaningful value for people.

As businesses rush to embrace artificial intelligence, automation, drones and other technologies, that distinction has never been more important.

Consider a knife. In the hands of a surgeon, it can save a life; in the hands of a chef, it can prepare a meal; in the wrong hands, it can cause harm. The knife itself is nei...