'Imagine an Africa where governments are more responsive and transparent using AI to better the lives of her citizens. This Africa is not a dream. It is the Africa we want. It is the Africa we need' Nardos Bekele-Thomas
If you don't mind and I would like to say good morning to everybody, each one of you distinguished participants. Ladies and gentlemen, may I want you to hold imagine. And Africa, where a unified infrastructure supports the seamless flow of information, innovation and ideas across borders. And Africa, where AI driven solutions are improving healthcare outcomes, increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing educational access and fostering transparent governance. And Africa, where cities are hubs of innovation. And rural areas are connected to the digital economy. With AI enabled services, improving livelihoods and creating new opportunities. Imagine an Africa where governments are more responsive and transparent, using AI to engage with citizens and deliver public services more efficiently, and education is tailored and accessible. Ensuring that every child, every child in Africa, has the opportunity to learn and succeed. And Africa, where innovation and technology bridge the gaps of inequality, ensuring that the gender digital divide is closed and that every individual, regardless of their background as socioeconomic status, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their society. This Africa, this Africa, ladies and gentlemen, is not a dream. It is the Africa we can build together. It is the Africa we want. And Africa, where technology is a force for good, driving sustainable development and empowering every individual to reach their full potential. But this feature will not come to pass on its own. It requires commitment, It requires collaboration and most importantly, unity. Unity of purpose. Distinguished guests decades ago, the visionary Pan Africanist. Julius Neri declared quote UN quote, we must run while others walk. If we wait until all conditions are perfect before we act, we will never achieve anything. Technology is a vehicle for us to look forward. Uncle. His words. Steering today. Very truly, and they are relevant and encapsulates the essence of what we are here to discuss how technology, particularly artificial intelligence, can unify and uplift entire societies for good, despite the accompanying challenges. Africa. Africa, ladies and gentlemen, stands at the cusp of technological revolution, marked by the 4th Industrial Revolution, holding the promise of transforming the continent in ways unimaginable before. Just at the moment, as the mobile phone leapfrogged traditional landline infrastructure. And connected millions across Africa or AI is poised to proper to propel our societies into a brighter future where technology works for the common good. Artificial intelligence, ladies and gentlemen, is no longer a concept.
Let's recall, Africa has a dense societal network. We engage easily. People are well linked. So, we have the societal infrastructure. Our leaders can use that infrastructure now! We don't need AI to excite that network. Yes, Africa will find good use for AI. However, let's not overblow AI. And let's remember, AI is linear algebra. We gain more teaching our children maths and physics than imagining a world transformed by AI. What do we need to teach maths and physics? Nature.
Rwanda is pioneering responsible AI innovation in Africa through its comprehensive National AI Policy, which focuses on building a strong foundation for AI adoption and emphasizes fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Driven by Minister, Paula Ingabire's Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the country is positioning itself as a leader in AI governance by partnering with Singapore to develop an AI framework for small states, creating a National AI Office, and hosting the inaugural High-Level Summit on AI in Africa, demonstrating its commitment to harnessing AI's benefits while mitigating risks.
https://lnkd.in/dffvW5vf
AI & Digital Transformation Leadership | Omnichannel Business Leader | Omnichannel Business Transformation | Growth Management | Bestselling Author | Africa | Impact
#Africa is making strides in the usage of Artificial Intelligence. But, urgent action is needed for inclusive regulatory frameworks.
Join the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa conversation on implementing global and regional regulations for ethical AI practices. This virtual event aims to increase awareness about the urgent need to regulate the use of AI globally and in Africa to ensure that its usage is people-centred and human rights-based and that the continent plays an active role in the negotiations towards establishing the global frameworks being built around the responsible usage of Artificial Intelligence. #AIforAfricahttps://bit.ly/3Hi3fy1
🌍 How can AI bridge the gap between high-income and developing countries?
Rwanda's Minister of ICT & Innovation, Paula Ingabire, shares her insights on democratizing AI infrastructure and addressing disparities in access to resources and data. 🇷🇼
🔗 Learn more in our new AI governance report here: https://ow.ly/QKal50TGxBi#AI#Innovation#TechForGood#EmergingMarkets#Rwanda
The 360-Degree Framework in the World Economic Forum’s “Governance in the Age of Generative AI” report revolves around three key pillars:
1. Harness the Past: Leverage existing regulations, identifying and addressing gaps introduced by generative AI technologies.
2. Build the Present: Foster multi-stakeholder governance, bringing together governments, industry, and academia to manage current AI challenges.
3. Plan for the Future: Prepare governance systems for AI’s future evolution, investing in international cooperation and flexible, adaptive policies.
Full Report: https://lnkd.in/gNmH-Eui
🌍 How can AI bridge the gap between high-income and developing countries?
Rwanda's Minister of ICT & Innovation, Paula Ingabire, shares her insights on democratizing AI infrastructure and addressing disparities in access to resources and data. 🇷🇼
🔗 Learn more in our new AI governance report here: https://ow.ly/QKal50TGxBi#AI#Innovation#TechForGood#EmergingMarkets#Rwanda
Selorm Adadevoh: Africa must leverage on AI to fast-track economic growth
The outgoing CEO of MTN Ghana Selorm Adadevoh said African countries must not only focus on the negative aspect of AI
#AsaaseNewshttps://lnkd.in/dmEY2ifb
The implications of AI (and digital colonization) in African political campaigns are significant. The potential misuse of AI by foreign entities could lead to skewed information dissemination through targeted micro campaigns, impacting voter opinions and decisions, and thus who governs.
We've seen this play out, it's actually not hypothetical.
It's crucial for African political campaigns to understand and adapt to these technological advancements while advocating for fair data practices and regulations to protect sovereignty and democratic processes.
https://lnkd.in/dxxfYANf
Complex Systems and Public Investment: Infrastructure Policy
2moLet's recall, Africa has a dense societal network. We engage easily. People are well linked. So, we have the societal infrastructure. Our leaders can use that infrastructure now! We don't need AI to excite that network. Yes, Africa will find good use for AI. However, let's not overblow AI. And let's remember, AI is linear algebra. We gain more teaching our children maths and physics than imagining a world transformed by AI. What do we need to teach maths and physics? Nature.