RAIL KNUST Participates in the AU Consultative Forum on AI to Shape Africa’s AI Strategy

Amidst the global dialogue on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Amr Safwat facilitated a panel discussion at the African Union (AU) consultative forum on AI, focusing on building the capacities of higher education, the role of the private sector in AI, and improving the availability of AI-related data in Africa. The forum, held from  19th to 24th April 2024, brought together stakeholders to discuss developing a comprehensive AI strategy for Africa.

The panellists for the discussion on creating an AI Ecosystem and Capabilities for Harnessing the Potential of AI in Africa were Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director, Responsible AI Lab, Ghana, Dr. Joyce Nabende, Head, Makerere Artificial Intelligence Lab, Uganda and Ms. Sade Dada, Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, META.

Gabriela Ramos from UNESCO emphasised the need for an ethical framework to ensure inclusivity and expand government and citizen capabilities to accommodate emerging AI technologies. She advocated for incentives and investments in AI policies and frameworks, emphasising the use of existing infrastructure and establishing a governing institution for AI by the AU.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director for the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), highlighted the three enablers in the UN Advisory Report on AI: infrastructure, data, and talent. He emphasised the need to build capacity for AI talent to address a significant skill gap and called for government support in establishing AI labs. Prof. Kponyo also stressed the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector for research commercialisation and urged inclusive AI strategies that benefit all individuals, including those who are differently abled. Prof. Kponyo admonished the AU to draw from existing global AI strategies and ensure the implementation of the AU strategy by all member states. He highlighted the tremendous potential of AI and the need to build capacity to harness it effectively.

The AU consultative forum on AI is part of developing a comprehensive AI strategy for Africa, aligning with the AU Agenda 2063 goals and ensuring that AI supports Africa’s developmental agendas in an ethical, trustworthy, safe, and inclusive manner.