From: aidotengineer
Tavanglava raises a fundamental question: “What does AI mean to all of us?” [00:00:21] This question extends beyond tech discussions, becoming a conversation in unexpected places, leading to reflections on the transformation of the world, and more specifically, the African continent [00:00:35].
Evolution of AI Concepts
Concepts fundamental to AI are not new [00:00:51]. Neural networks emerged around 1950, followed by machine learning in the 1980s, and more recently, deep learning discussions [00:01:07]. While generative AI was once a major talking point, the focus is shifting to agentic AI and the decisions it can make [00:01:26].
A Personal Perspective on Problem Solving
The speaker, Tavanglava, shares that his name in Setswana means “to be happy” [00:03:36]. Growing up in Soweto, South Africa, he developed a habit of breaking things apart to understand their minute pieces and how they contribute to a larger representation [00:04:17]. This curiosity led him to dissect old pagers, cell phones, and even televisions to understand their inner workings [00:05:21].
His analytical approach initially led him to study medicine, where he realized the importance of putting things back together rather than just breaking them apart [00:05:59]. This perspective shifted his focus to understanding the intricate workings of the human body and what keeps a person alive [00:06:24]. Ultimately, he transitioned to study computer science, maintaining his inquisitive nature [00:06:45].
Africa’s Position in the AI Landscape
Africa is often perceived as a “baby” still exploring the phenomenon of AI [00:07:19]. However, contrary to this perception, Kenya, for instance, ranks as the third highest daily user of ChatGPT [00:07:28]. Despite high technology immersion, Africa is often underrepresented in global rankings for new AI startups, which are predominantly found in European and Asian countries [00:08:04].
This perceived lack of presence, however, presents a unique opportunity, as innovation often thrives where resources are scarce, leading to simplicity as a key driver [00:08:24].
Technological Innovation and Economic Growth
Africa is not far behind in technological innovation [00:08:30]. Africans have consistently found ways to work around problems using technology [00:08:42]. The African fintech space is a prime example, with unique products like M-Pesa enabling seamless money transfers via mobile phones across regions [00:09:05].
Fintech revenue growth projections for Africa between 2021 and 2030 indicate significant potential for the continent to become a global player in fintech [00:09:27]. While fintech is distinct from AI, Africa can leverage its technological proficiency to further explore and benefit from AI [00:09:50]. South Africa, for instance, already hosts several companies specializing in the AI space [00:10:06].
The AI market size in Africa is projected to experience an almost 17-fold increase in investment between 2020 and 2030, reaching billions of dollars [00:10:55]. This demonstrates external confidence in Africa’s AI potential [00:11:00].
Challenges and Mindset in Problem-Solving
One significant challenge in the African context is how problems are approached, often leading to over-engineering due to political, tax, and financial red tape [00:12:14]. For example, solving the common problem of long queues at home affairs offices often involves solutions like ticketing systems, hiring more staff, or opening more offices [00:12:35]. While these are valid, they might not address the root cause or achieve the desired impact, as queues might even worsen [00:13:25].
A different approach, leveraging AI-driven thinking, could involve automatically initiating ID or passport application processes once an individual reaches the qualifying age [00:14:38]. This shift in thinking, moving beyond conventional solutions, could solve not only African problems but also global issues related to documentation [00:14:51].
Groundbreaking African Innovations
Africa has already demonstrated groundbreaking innovations:
- Farmer Wings (Nigeria): Used to deliver medicine to remote and difficult-to-access areas [00:16:58].
- Project Cumulus (Morocco): Enables the production of drinking water from the air [00:17:12].
These examples highlight immense potential, creativity, and the effective usage of technology to overcome circumstances [00:17:46].
Overcoming Self-Perception and Leveraging Resources
A significant hindrance to Africa’s uprising lies in self-perception [00:18:05]. Africans often perceive themselves as “below par” or needing to work harder to match global standards [00:18:18]. This mindset shapes how others perceive the continent, despite global players investing in Africa and utilizing its resources [00:18:40].
Africa holds about 30% of the world’s earth minerals [00:19:13]. However, these raw materials are often exported, re-packaged into finished products (like car parts or cars) elsewhere, and then bought back by African countries [00:20:02]. This cycle indicates a missed opportunity to add value internally and control the supply chain [00:20:08].
The Path to a New Global Role
To change its position, Africa needs to recognize its power and foster unity [00:20:20]. The approach of countries like China, which prioritized serving its own market first before expanding internationally, serves as a model [00:20:39]. By focusing on creating solutions that work for Africa, the continent can produce innovations that solve not just local, but global problems [00:21:01]. Access to AI further enables faster development of such solutions [00:21:14].
African AI adoption figures show significant investment in companies, universities, and even primary and high schools, indicating a growing engagement with AI and its opportunities [00:23:29]. The South African AI market alone is projected to see a close to 72 million rand difference in the next 10 years, highlighting the available market for Africa to tap into [00:23:47].
The crucial step for Africa is to reimagine how it is perceived and to actively engage with AI tools and resources [00:24:41].
Ultimately, the question remains: What does AI mean to you? [00:24:46] For Africans, it’s about leveraging existing creativity and resources to unlock potential and overcome self-imposed limitations [00:25:41]. For the global community, it’s about enabling Africa to stand on its own two feet, not just as a participant, but as an active player in the market [00:25:09].