By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-04-04 17:38:28
In a survey conducted by the London-based Lloyd’s Register Foundation in 2021, 125,000 individuals across 121 countries were asked their opinions on the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their lives over the next two decades. The results varied significantly by region, with Eastern Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Central Asia showing a more optimistic view of AI, while Central and Western Africa, Southern Africa, Northern Africa, and Eastern Africa were more sceptical.
In Africa, particularly in Eastern Africa, a majority of respondents expressed concerns about the dangers of AI, citing low levels of internet access and less exposure to technological developments as reasons for their apprehension. The fear of AI stems from the revolutionary nature of the technology, with some experts warning about the potential for AI to surpass human capacities and lead to mass job losses and societal collapse.
Despite these concerns, there are efforts to promote a more positive image of AI in Africa. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchini of the International Centre of Artificial Intelligence of Morocco is leading an “AI Movement” to showcase how AI can be transformative for Africa, especially in critical industries like agriculture and healthcare. AI-powered tools have already been used to drive up crop yields in agriculture and track the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare.
In healthcare, AI tools could provide valuable assistance in increasing access to basic healthcare in remote areas where doctors are scarce. Similarly, in the banking sector, AI solutions could help small businesses access the capital needed for growth and development. However, the adoption of AI in Africa faces challenges such as a lack of digital literacy and understanding of the technology’s potential benefits.
One major obstacle to the growth of the AI industry in Africa is funding. While venture capital funding in Africa has seen a decline, there is potential for more investment in AI solutions that address unique African challenges. Encouragingly, there is a growing recognition of the transformative impact AI can have on various sectors in Africa, leading to increased interest from investors.
Another key area of concern is the data deficit in Africa, which hinders the effectiveness of AI tools trained on datasets that may not represent the African context accurately. Efforts are needed to ensure that AI models are developed with relevant data and that local languages and cultures are taken into account to prevent harmful outcomes.
Overall, the introduction of AI in Africa has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve standards of living. However, education and upskilling efforts are needed to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to leverage AI technologies. By addressing these challenges and demonstrating the positive impact of AI, Africa can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
