The Growing Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Africa: A Promising Future for the Continent
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining ground in Africa, offering new opportunities and a promising future for the continent. From using drones for monitoring weeds in South Africa to using AI-powered computers for crunching health data in Mauritius and implementing surveillance systems for traffic management in Nairobi, AI is making an impact across various sectors.
Africans realize the potential of AI and the advantages it can bring to their rapidly growing population of 1.4 billion people, of which 70% are under the age of 30. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice-president of Ghana, emphasized this in an article for The Guardian, stating that Africans have a goldmine at our fingertips and express the intention to reap their own rewards rather than waiting for the rest of the world.
However, despite the advancements made in AI on the continent, Africa still lags behind other regions in terms of AI adoption. A recent index by Oxford Insights ranked Mauritius as the most advanced sub-Saharan country, but only 57th globally. South Africa follows closely, being the only country in the region with commercially available 5G infrastructure and essential infrastructure.
To fully integrate AI into the lives of 1.4 billion people in Africa, scaling up is a crucial challenge that needs to be addressed. Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, a pioneer in the study of AI in Africa and the rector of the United Nations University in Tokyo, emphasizes the importance of this task. However, the continent faces obstacles such as a low level of skills, digital infrastructure, internet penetration, and research investment required to make AI more widespread.
Despite these challenges, the urgent need for AI solutions in Africa is undeniable. AI has already played a vital role in various areas, such as assisting in understanding and managing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in South Africa through modeling and conserving water reserves efficiently in the face of water shortages caused by climate change. Collaborative efforts between Google and the UN have aimed to predict floods and locust infestations, helping to mitigate their devastating effects.
Nevertheless, AI in Africa raises concerns related to human rights and potential abuses of monitoring systems due to the continent’s varying levels of rule of law. Professor Marwala acknowledges the risks associated with sophisticated AI analytic tools that can identify individuals and the spread of AI-generated or AI-targeted disinformation. Inadequate regulatory regimes and cultural biases embedded in software developed for the global north pose additional challenges.
The military sector is another domain where AI is making its presence felt on the continent. From the use of surveillance platforms and satellite image analysis for counterterrorism efforts to the possibility of autonomous drones distinguishing between combatants and civilians, AI is already integrated into warfare strategies. Optimists believe that AI could be used to predict conflicts and unrest, facilitating early interventions to preserve peace.
The potential benefits or harm brought about by AI on the continent hinge upon human users. While AI can provide valuable insights and information, complex decision-making still rests with human actors. As Africa continues to navigate the AI landscape, striking a balance between reaping the advantages and addressing the concerns and challenges associated with AI implementation is crucial.
In conclusion, the growing influence of artificial intelligence in Africa paints a promising future for the continent. AI has the potential to address numerous challenges faced by African nations, but it must be approached with caution and consideration for human rights, cultural biases, and the potential for abuse. With careful integration and collaboration, AI can undoubtedly contribute to Africa’s progress and development, leading to a brighter future for its people.
