From: aidotengineer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a conversation confined to tech rooms or meetups; it is transforming the world, and importantly, the African continent [00:00:31]. While concepts fundamental to AI, such as neural networks (1950s), machine learning (1980s), and deep learning (more recently), are not new [00:00:48], the focus is now shifting from generative AI to agentic AI, which emphasizes its decision-making capabilities [00:01:17].
Africa’s Position in the Global AI Landscape
Globally, Africa is often perceived as a “baby” still navigating the phenomenon of AI [00:07:13]. However, there’s evidence of significant technological engagement: Kenya, for instance, records the third-highest daily use of ChatGPT worldwide, indicating deep immersion in technology [00:07:23]. Despite this, Africa often lags in the number of newly founded AI startups and patents compared to European and Asian countries, often not even appearing in top global rankings [00:07:51].
This perceived disadvantage, however, presents a unique opportunity. The speaker argues that innovation often thrives when resources are scarce, emphasizing that “simplicity is key” [00:08:14].
Africa’s Existing Technological Prowess
Africa is not as technologically “behind” as commonly thought [00:08:30]. Africans have a track record of leveraging technology to solve problems [00:08:38].
The Fintech Example
The African fintech space is particularly strong, producing unique products like M-Pesa, which enables money transfers between individuals using only their cell phone numbers – a significant advancement in cross-regional money movement [00:08:43]. Projections for fintech revenue growth between 2021 and 2030 show Africa with the potential to become a global player in this sector [00:09:08].
It is important to understand that fintech is not the same as AI [00:09:31]. The question then becomes: how can Africa leverage its existing technological proficiency and adapt it to AI, knowing its significant engagement with technology [00:09:47]? South Africa, for example, already hosts several companies specializing in AI [00:10:02].
Investment in Africa’s AI Market and Potential Impact
Studies indicate a projected 17-fold increase in the market size for AI investment in Africa, potentially reaching billions of dollars, between 2020 and 2030 [00:10:32]. This significant investment suggests that external parties recognize considerable potential. The core question, however, is whether this growth is truly making an impact on the continent, beyond just the technological and market figures [00:11:03].
Innovative Thinking for African Challenges
Africans frequently devise innovative solutions to African challenges. For example, issues like long queues at Home Affairs offices, a common global problem, are often met with over-engineered solutions such as ticketing systems, more staff, or additional offices [00:11:52]. While these have some effect, they may not fundamentally solve the problem [00:13:12].
The speaker proposes a different approach: if the government knows when someone is born and when they qualify for an ID or passport, why can’t the application process be automatically initiated [00:13:36]? This approach, driven by a simple change in perspective, could revolutionize administrative processes not just in Africa but globally [00:14:38].
Other examples of groundbreaking African innovations include:
- Farmer Wings (Nigeria): Drones used to deliver medicine to remote, difficult-to-reach areas [00:16:49].
- Project Cumulus (Morocco): Technology that produces drinking water directly from the air [00:17:03].
These examples demonstrate Africa’s immense potential and creativity, showcasing how the continent is already using technology to overcome current circumstances [00:17:30].
Addressing Internal Perceptions and External Dynamics
A significant hindrance to Africa’s success is sometimes how the continent perceives itself [00:17:50]. There’s a tendency to see Africa as “below par” or needing to do more to reach the level of other regions [00:18:09]. This mindset can inadvertently shape how the world sees Africa [00:18:23].
Despite this, global players are actively investing in Africa, utilizing its resources to power their processes [00:18:33]. Africa holds approximately 30% of the world’s earth minerals [00:19:08]. The current paradigm involves exporting raw minerals, which are then packaged into finished products (like car parts or cars) by other nations, only for Africa to buy them back [00:19:37]. This raises questions about Africa’s recognition of its own potential and the importance of unity [00:20:08].
China’s growth serves as a model, prioritizing domestic solutions before serving the international market [00:20:29]. Africa, similarly, could focus on its own challenges. The lack of resources has fostered creativity, and access to technologies like AI now allows for rapid development of solutions that can address both African and global problems [00:21:01].
The Future of AI in Africa
The question is, what is the world doing to grow Africa’s potential for growth in the AI space and genuinely include Africa at the global table, not just financially [00:21:52]? Africa embodies a spirit of Ubuntu and simplicity, which makes it unique and challenges it to unlock its own potential [00:22:15].
The focus for Africa should be on its goals: to become a producer, not just a consumer, at the global table [00:22:53]. AI adoption figures in Africa demonstrate that investment in companies, learning spaces (universities, schools), and discussions about AI opportunities are already underway [00:23:08]. The South African AI market alone is projected to see significant growth in the next decade [00:23:31].
It is crucial for Africa to reimagine how it is perceived globally, moving past self-imposed limitations and embracing its immense potential [00:24:01]. Africans need to engage directly with AI tools and resources, moving beyond mere discussions about AI [00:24:24].
For Africans, AI presents opportunities fueled by existing creativity and resources [00:24:50]. For the European market, the challenge is to support Africa in becoming an active player, not just a participant, in the global market [00:25:00]. AI might not give Africa everything it needs, but it can unlock the potential that has always been present, allowing the continent to step into a more prominent role [00:25:31].