Africa has not yet reached the moon or explored the deep sea; is it ready for Artificial Intelligence?
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, recently challenged African countries to embrace integration to achieve prosperity, especially if they want their children to thrive in the modern world.
The question is no longer whether we want Artificial Intelligence (AI), but rather how to leverage it for Africa’s economic development. According to AI4D Africa, the continent accounts for just 2.5% of the global artificial intelligence market; however, emerging applications could boost Africa’s economic growth by US$2.9 trillion by 2030.
AI has rapidly gained popularity across Africa, impacting all facets of human activity. While some see it as a threat to their livelihoods, others perceive it as an opportunity.
Regulating AI remains an ongoing conversation in most African countries, including within the African Union. The Union’s Executive Council endorsed the Continental AI Strategy during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on 18-19 July 2024. This strategy underscores Africa’s commitment to a development-focused, Africa-centric approach to AI, aimed at promoting ethical, responsible, and equitable practices throughout the continent.
Countries need to develop their own National AI policies to provide frameworks for harnessing AI’s potential while addressing specific local challenges.
For instance, Kenya lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically for Artificial Intelligence, relying instead on existing laws such as the Data Protection Act of 2019 to tackle AI-related issues. This approach is insufficient for governing a continuously evolving technology; however, the National AI Strategy currently under development could help address these regulatory gaps.
Involving all stakeholders—government, private sector, and developers—is crucial to ensuring that regulations do not stifle innovation. A good approach would be to enhance existing laws to better align with the evolving landscape and creating regulations that encourage innovation will promote growth and opportunity.
While Kenya has made significant contributions to the AI revolution, some Kenyans believe there needs to be a shift in self-perception within the supply chain, moving from being regarded as those who “do the small work” to being acknowledged as innovators. For this shift to occur, a major challenge must be tackled: the lack of quality data and access to it. Effective regulation should facilitate responsible data collection and sharing among local researchers and startups, empowering them to innovate, address local challenges, generate revenue, and create jobs.
In a conversation with Moses Okoth, an education and tech enthusiast, he observed, “Kenya and Africa have a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape what AI becomes by building our values into it from the start. Because we are still designing and building AI, we have the potential and opportunity to do it better—radically better.”
He further noted, “Unlike past technological revolutions that have unleashed unintended harms, the early stage of advanced AI means we can be proactive about how we create it. Will we prioritize human values like empathy and creativity to unlock AI’s potential to benefit all of humanity?
As we develop AI, we must reflect all that is good, all that we cherish, and all that is unique about humanity: our empathy, kindness, curiosity, and creativity. The choices we make now could have repercussions for generations to come. Advocating for a more ethical approach to building AI is key to ushering in the brightest possible future.
Harold Mwangi, a scholar and researcher at Maseno University, also sees great potential for AI in Africa if managed effectively. He states, “Regulation means different things to different people. Inventors and investors see AI in terms of returns, while users view it as a tool for business leverage. Governments see AI in terms of the disruption caused by its inability to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges. Regulation is not about control; rather, it is a framework for harnessing and utilizing AI’s potential while safeguarding societal welfare and interests. This includes managing its negative effects while protecting individual freedoms.”
One thing is certain: ready or not, AI is here, and Africa must harness its potential for economic development. To keep pace with the rest of the world, the continent needs to position itself advantageously by fostering an environment conducive to innovation, equipping African youth to contribute positively to global AI advancements, and establishing unified national approaches among African Union member states, thereby strengthening regional and global cooperation.
Stephanie Ayieta is a television producer at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
