AI Deployment in African States

Author: Shalom Bright Omondi

Introduction

Since the invention of computers and machines, humans have developed and curated the power of machines in order to streamline their efficiency which has spurred wonderous innovation.  One of these forms of innovation was AI, or Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a way of making a computer or computer-controlled robot think and reason like a human, the hallmark of intelligence, hence the name Artificial Intelligence. However, when we think of AI, one of the last things that come into our mind is the African continent, and yet it plays such an important role. 

According to Leila Janah, the founder and CEO of Samasource, “If you use a mobile phone or laptops facial recognition features, drive a car or shop online, there is a good chance that a person in East Africa helped train the algorithm that makes your technology work”  The widespread revolution Artificial Intelligence in the 21st has unleashed a transformative wave, not only reshaping numerous aspects of society today but also changing how we interact on a day-to-day basis with our environment.  

In Africa, the AI boom is especially growing, with over 2400 companies specializing in AI, with 41% being startups. Technology is set to contribute $1.2 billion to the continent by 2030 if it could only capture 10% of the global AI Market, thus showing the potential of AI, and what it could be in Africa. 

Despite these potentials and all the wonders of AI, its integration in African economies is still largely looked down upon. The use of AI in Africa is still viewed as a largely contentious matter, with more problems arising than solutions.   One of the most recent examples was the Worldcoin incident, which occurred in Kenya, where Kenyans were asked to consent to their biometric data being taken in exchange for around $49.  This of course raised privacy issues and spurned the debate on the need for adequate AI frameworks in the country. This paper aims to explore these critical issues that the continent is currently facing in regards to AI use and integration and provide sustainable solutions while also looking at the underlying societal perceptions of AI use in Africa. 

Artificial Intelligence and AfricaAfrica has always been known as the cradle of civilization, the source from where life sprung to the far ends of the earth.  From this very same cradle originated the genesis of AI.  There is a great history of ideas that linked the spiritual of African technology systems with the complex scientific digital technology that arose in the early 20th century, with both having a origin in mathematics.  The ancient African divinations systems that utilized binary and data combinations could be equally comparable to Google, a system that computes larges amounts of data with different algorithmic calculations. In the modern world, AI has advanced considerably, being now an ever-evolving sector computer science which focuses on smart technology, machines that can perform tasks that in the past would have needed human assistance or intelligence. 

Opportunities of AI in Africa

Generally, AI is already being used in various sectors across Africa, including enterprise, agritech, healthcare, edtech and fintech.  It has the capability to expand and improve on aspects of employment of individuals, productivity and even increase efficiency in regional supply chains.  For example, in employment, AI is being trained by Kenyan and Ugandan youth in order to transmit human intelligence to AI for large companies like Google. These jobs not only create a source of livelihood in low-income areas but are essential in improving the quality of living and reducing social conflicts. However, with these advancements, there came calls for a general set of regulations in ai, incorporating elements such as inclusivity and protection of human rights 

Inclusivity and Challenges in Maintaining an Inclusive Sphere in Africa

One of the first set of early principles to be adopted in regards to AI came from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019.  Under the OECD AI principles, they were to be used to guide actors in their efforts to develop AI that was reliant and also guide policymakers with recommendations on how to use AI effectively. Some of these principles include, inclusivity, human rights, accountability and explainability.  When it comes to inclusivity in AI, it is generally understood that the dynamics of inclusion of all individuals is needed in order to ensure effective and democratic use of AI. Under  the OECD/G20 Principles on AI, one of the principles espoused is inclusive growth.  This essentially means that stakeholders who are involved should proactively engage in responsible stewardship of AI for the benefit of people and the planet.   

Inclusivity also means that there should be fair and equal participation from all members.  However, this aspect of inclusivity appears to be lacking or falling way behind when it came to technological advancements and AI in the continent, except for a handful of countries in Africa - namely Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.  This remains an issue as the critical factors needed to integrate new technological advancements remain either lacking or are heavily exploited by outside parties.  

AI Policy in Africa

Policy responses to AI have been emerging across the continent, with Egypt, Rwanda, Mauritius having been amongst some of the first countries in Africa to publish national AI strategies with Kenya following suit behind.  Some of the reasons for this change in attitude is not only because AI is a beneficial technology, but also governments in different African countries are trying to mitigate the issues which can arise from AI use, such as disinformation. One major example is Kenya where AI was used to fuel unrest with fake images and anti-government posters during the ‘Gen Z’ protests.  We can take a look at how some countries have adopted AI regulation and policies.

Mauritius

Mauritius established the Mauritius Working Group (MWG) on AI in 2018 which helped to in forming the Mauritian AI Strategy.  The government of Mauritius recognized the potential that AI could bring in increasing sustainable growth and economic development in the country, and therefore sought to integrate AI technology into the economy and improve on quality of living, economic growth. Some key areas which were deliberated in the strategy included the establishment of a regulatory framework for AI oversight and also a environment to allow AI to thrive. 

Kenya 

While there are no specific laws or regulations in Kenya that directly regulate AI, the Kenyan Ministry of ICT is working with different stakeholders to spearhead the development of a National AI Strategy (the “AI Strategy”), which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. With this being said, certain laws and regulations in Kenya have incorporated aspects of AI regulation into their frameworks such as the Data Protection Act,  which recognizes that data subject have a right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning or significantly affects the data subject.  Another is the Consumer Protection Act  – This law will extend to AI use by consumers who use products and systems AI because of the need to ensure their protection of consumers.  

Challenges and Risks in Integrating AI in Africa

One of the foremost obstacles is the lack of infrastructure. Many African countries face considerable gaps in technological infrastructure, such as limited internet access, unreliable energy supply, and outdated hardware. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that only about 27% of low-income countries have access to the internet, starkly contrasted with high income countries that exceed 90%.  Effective AI infrastructure is essential as each component is crucial for unlocking AI’s full potential. 

For Africa, the building of infrastructure is not just about spurning out technology but also creating a foundation for development and innovation. Another critical issue is data privacy. The landscape of data protection in many African nations remains controversial. While thirty-seven out of 54 countries have enacted data protection laws in many instances, lawmakers have sometimes formulated legislative frameworks without making way for adequate planning, causing challenges in implementation. This lack of proper planning may lead to significant gaps in protecting personal information, leaving individuals vulnerable to misuse and breaches. Moreover, the varying levels of enforcement and resources allocated to data protection agencies can hinder the effectiveness of these laws. In some cases, the lack of public awareness regarding data rights exacerbates the issue, as individuals may not know how to protect their information or seek redress when violations occur. 

Furthermore, there is a grave concern regarding the exploitation of AI technologies by authoritarian regimes.   In several instances, AI tools have been utilized for surveillance and profiling, particularly during conflicts, leading to the persecution of dissenters and opposition groups.  This reality underscores the urgent need for establishing ethical guidelines and accountability frameworks surrounding AI deployment.The lack of homegrown data for AI may play a factor in exacerbating some of these challenges.  Many African nations rely heavily on imported AI technologies that may not adequately address represent them or their needs on a local level.  Its important for individuals to recognize the critical importance of integrating indigenous data into AI to ensure adequate adoption and utility of AI technologies in Africa.  This reliance on foreign solutions can lead to a digital dependency, stifling local innovation and economic growth.

Solutions

To navigate these challenges effectively, a multifaceted approach is required.First, there must be increased funding for AI policy development. Allocating more resources to create and implement comprehensive AI regulations is essential for ensuring responsible use of technology. These policies should include ethical guidelines, accountability frameworks, and mechanisms for public engagement. Investment in policymaking will help mitigate the risks associated with AI deployment and foster a safer digital environment.Another crucial solution is to enhance education and awareness surrounding AI technologies. Initiatives aimed at educating communities about the benefits and risks associated with AI are vital. 

Educational programs should target a wide range of demographics, including students, professionals, and policymakers. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to promote the development of homegrown AI systems. Encouraging local innovation can lead to the creation of solutions tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by African nations. Collaborative efforts among governments, universities, and tech startups are also essential to fostering an environment conducive to innovation. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has highlighted the importance of investing in local tech ecosystems to drive sustainable growth and ensure that technological advancements benefit local populations.  By prioritizing the development of homegrown AI initiatives, African nations can reduce their dependence on foreign technologies and enhance their competitive edge on the global stage.

Conclusion

As Africa stands on the brink of an AI revolution, the continent possesses both immense potential and significant challenges in harnessing this transformative technology. While AI offers opportunities to enhance productivity, drive economic growth, and address pressing societal issues, its integration into African economies must be approached with caution and foresight. The disparities in technological infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and the risk of exploitation underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines.To fully leverage AI's benefits, African nations must prioritize funding for policy development, fostering local innovation, and enhancing education around AI technologies. 

Building a strong foundation of homegrown AI solutions will not only empower local communities but also ensure that technological advancements are aligned with the unique needs and contexts of African societies.By actively promoting inclusivity and accountability in AI development, Africa can reshape its narrative from one of dependency to one of innovation and leadership in the global AI landscape. As the continent navigates this journey, collaboration among governments, private sectors, and civil societies will be critical to creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.