Africa’s AI future needs credible data, policy reform

“Having access to credible datasets is essential,” said Philip Rigueur, a respected entrepreneurial expert based in the United States, as he delved into the complexities and promises of AI 1.0 in Africa.

During a talk at the AfricArena Tunisia Summit in Tunis, Rigueur stressed the indispensable role of accurate data in the realm of artificial intelligence. He underlined the challenges faced by African countries where the quality and representation of datasets significantly impact the effectiveness of AI applications.

Data credibility is key, said Rigueur, especially in sectors like healthcare, where inaccurate data could have life-altering consequences. He also noted the necessity for accurate representation of the population in the datasets used for AI applications.

Rigueur questioned the feasibility of acquiring data from other countries due to concerns about foreign governance models and algorithms. He underscored the critical need for not just data but also robust computing power and reliable connectivity, elements he deemed mission-critical for advancing AI initiatives, highlighting the advantages enjoyed by the US in this regard.

As the entrepreneur-in-residence for Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT Sloan School of Management, Rigueur underscored the critical need for robust computing power and dependable connectivity, highlighting them as mission-critical components for accelerating AI innovation across the African continent.

His perspective on the significance of these factors was grounded in the context of his experiences in the United States, drawing parallels between the challenges faced and overcome in developed nations and the potential pathways for Africa.

Rigueur furthermore highlighted the critical need for reliable connectivity, stating that having robust computing power and seamless connectivity were vital for fostering AI innovation.

The current state of AI adoption in Africa

Aïcha Mezghani, senior manager at Deloitte Tunisia, acknowledged the challenges faced by AI adoption in Africa due to diverse infrastructural and educational landscapes across 54 different countries.

When compared to Europe and the US, Africa seems to be slower in adopting AI solutions.

“I had a lot of discussions with key stakeholders in African countries,” explained Mezghani. “When I talk to them about AI and what needs to be done in their countries, they’re like, ‘What are you talking about? We’re still struggling with digital transformation and getting broadband and high connectivity, and you’re talking to me about AI.’”

Mezghani said while this may be true, more should be done to strengthen the AI ecosystem “to build something strong.”

She, however, pinpointed countries like Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda, and Tunisia as leaders in the African AI landscape. She emphasised the slow adoption rate in both public and private sectors, citing the need for policies, talent development, and infrastructure improvement to strengthen the AI ecosystem.

Mezghani stressed the importance of government intervention in formulating AI policies, talent development programs, and infrastructure enhancement initiatives. She noted that collaboration and partnerships, both on national and international levels, were crucial to enhancing the skill set of professionals and students interested in AI-related fields.

Addressing the pivotal role of governments in promoting AI adoption, Mezghani underscored the need for AI national strategies.

“It starts with an AI national strategy where they can set all the principal objectives of what they want to do and where they want to go. Putting in place actions, policies, attracting talent; to think about specific AI curriculums at universities. They also need to think about what they are going to do with the current workforce.”

She furthermore highlighted the importance of specific AI curricula in universities, talent retention strategies, and policies related to data protection and cybersecurity.

Rigueur added that government investment in R&D was crucial for nurturing innovation. He emphasised the need for governments to inspire and create hope for the youth, asserting that innovation stemmed from a healthy economy, which, in turn, was reliant on education and technology.

Mezghani furthermore elucidated the relationship between digital transformation and AI adoption, emphasising that AI could accelerate the former. She urged African countries to integrate AI with other emerging technologies like robotics and IoT, asserting that these technologies were enablers of digital transformation, primarily in the public sector.

• The AfricArena Tunisia Summit concludes at the City of Culture in Tunis on Thursday, 12 October 2023.

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