From: aidotengineer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world and is increasingly becoming a widespread conversation beyond traditional tech circles [00:00:31]. For Africans, AI presents a significant opportunity for the continent’s transformation [00:00:45].
A Brief History of AI
AI is not a new concept [00:00:51]. Fundamental ideas like neural networks emerged around 1950, followed by machine learning in the 1980s, and more recently, deep learning conversations [00:01:07]. While generative AI has been a topic of discussion, focus is now shifting to agentic AI and its decision-making capabilities [00:01:26].
Africa’s Position in the AI Landscape
Despite common perceptions, Africa is not as far behind in AI adoption as it might seem [00:08:30].
Usage and Innovation
- Kenya ranks as the third highest daily user of ChatGPT globally, indicating significant immersion in technology [00:07:36].
- Africans have historically used technology to solve problems, as seen in the African fintech space [00:08:40].
- Innovations like M-Pesa, which enables money transfer using only a cell phone number, have been game-changers in moving money across regions [00:09:05].
- Fintech revenue growth in Africa is projected to grow significantly between 2021 and 2030, positioning Africa as a potential global player in fintech [00:09:27].
- South Africa, for example, already hosts a number of companies specializing in the AI space [00:10:06].
Perception vs. Reality
While new AI startups are predominantly in European and Asian countries, Africa is often not even considered part of this innovation [00:08:12]. However, this absence from the forefront presents a unique opportunity, as innovation often thrives where resources are scarce, fostering simplicity as a key driver [00:08:24].
The Potential of AI for Africa
AI can be a tool to elevate Africa’s global standing [00:10:29]. The projected AI market size in Africa shows an almost 17-fold increase in investment between 2020 and 2030, indicating significant interest from investors [00:10:55].
Innovative Problem Solving
AI applications can help address persistent challenges in Africa. For instance, the speaker proposes using AI to automatically kickstart the application process for IDs or passports, eliminating the need for queues at home affairs offices [00:14:18]. This represents a shift from over-engineering existing problems to fundamentally changing the system [00:12:14].
“If we know when someone was born and if they qualify at an age at which they qualify for an ID, why can’t we automatically kickstart the process?” [00:14:15]
This type of innovative thinking is already evident in other African projects:
- Farmer Wings (Nigeria): Delivers medicine to remote and difficult-to-access regions [00:17:01].
- Project Cumulus (Morocco): Produces drinking water directly from the air [00:17:12].
These are groundbreaking innovations not just for Africa, but globally [00:17:19].
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
A significant challenge lies in Africa’s self-perception. The continent and its people often view themselves as “below par” or needing to overcompensate to reach the level of the rest of the world [00:18:18]. This mindset can influence how others perceive Africa [00:18:29].
Resource Exploitation
Africa holds approximately 30% of the world’s earth minerals [00:19:13]. However, these minerals are often exported, repackaged into finished products (like cars), and then bought back into the continent at a higher cost [00:20:02]. This raises the question of whether Africa is fully recognizing its own potential and power [00:20:16].
Overcoming Red Tape
Political, tax, and financial “red tape” measures often hinder systemic change, leading to over-engineering solutions rather than addressing the root problem [00:12:14].
Charting a Path Forward
Africa needs to unite and prioritize its own needs, similar to China’s approach of serving its domestic market before global expansion [00:20:39]. By embracing a position of having fewer resources, Africa can leverage creativity and access to AI to develop solutions faster [00:21:14].
Key steps for Africa’s AI growth:
- Reimagine self-perception: Move away from putting ourselves “behind the queue” [00:24:11].
- Embrace hands-on engagement: Engage with AI tools and resources, moving beyond theoretical discussions [00:24:41].
- Focus on being producers: Aspire to be active players and producers on the global table, not just consumers [00:23:05].
- Leverage existing adoption: Recognize that AI adoption in Africa is already significant, with investments in companies and educational spaces [00:23:29].
The continent’s immense potential, creativity, and existing technology usage, coupled with AI, can lead to an uprising in its global standing [00:17:47]. The question remains: what does AI mean to Africans, and what can the international community do to support Africa in becoming an active player in the market [00:25:09]?