AI a double-edged sword for Africa
Youthful population the continent's advantage
While the African Union believes AI could solve a number of uniquely African problems, it warns that this technology may also deepen the digital divide.
While artificial intelligence (AI) holds major possibilities for Africa, this type of technology could deepen the digital divide between Africa and the world and could leave the continent out for the count due to data poverty. “AI systems may perpetuate or amplify biases contained in datasets that they are trained on because, more often, data are not equitably sourced - data are usually sourced from developed countries and from non-diverse and inclusive developers' teams,” the African Union’s (AU) Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy read.
The indirect needs of AI may also exacerbate existing issues like water scarcity (due to the use of water cooling systems), carbon dioxide emissions as well as potentially delivering a blow to “African values”, it noted.
“AI’s impact on the global economy is impressive. According to PwC, AI automation has the potential to add US$15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030 and double economic growth rates by 2035 via productivity gains and transformation of how the government and business operate. This is equivalent to a 14% gain in global gross domestic product [GDP].”
Growing concern
The AU remains hopeful that growing internet use on the continent, from 20% in 2015 to 40% in 2023, may lay the foundation for the use of AI.
Nonetheless, Africa’s capacity to utilise AI systems remains deficient. “Even though the benefits of AI remain high for the continent, recent developments indicate a growing concern about the AI divide between Africa and the rest of the world due to the lack of high-quality and large datasets, lack of high-performance computers and talent capabilities that are critical for AI development and use.”
The AU is hopeful that a young population and the continuous emergence of digitalisation may aid Africans in capacitating themselves to not be left out of the AI revolution.
“Africa’s nascent digitalisation process of its heritage and culture is making it less vulnerable to AI misuse and presents opportunities for the effective protection of its identity online. Africa's demographic make-up, characterised by a youthful population that largely consists of digital natives, further accentuates this trajectory. The continent's younger generation perceives AI as an opportunity to address the unique challenges intrinsic to the continent.”
Legal frameworks
The AU has instructed member states to establish working legal frameworks to ensure the safety of Africans amid the dangers posed by AI, and called for continuous assessment of AI-related threats. It also recommended the establishing of an independent AI ethics board at regional level.
The organisation envisions that AI could have the biggest impact in addressing challenges related to agriculture and food security, health, education, environment and climate change. “There are already a number of small-scale use cases of AI in Africa, including tools for identifying and diagnosing crop diseases and pests, predicting the price of agricultural produce, providing expert advice and giving farmers access to financial services, so there is a need to document and share AI solutions in the sector,” the AU strategy noted.
While AI could greatly enrich learning experiences while aiding teachers and potentially bridging the educational divide, the AU warned that over-reliance on AI may stifle the creativity of young African minds.
“AI must also not threaten teachers’ rights and undermine learners’ thinking processes and creativity, which in turn negatively affect innovation. Africa is a young continent where innovation plays a central role in establishing an African-owned and African-driven solution.”
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