Artificial intelligence (AI) is booming globally, but Africa is struggling to keep pace, reveals a recent study conducted by Qhubit Hub and Qhala, two Kenyan companies specializing in new technologies. Despite its revolutionary potential, AI faces many obstacles on the African continent, such as lack of data, infrastructure and investment.
Data is essential for the effectiveness of AI, but in Africa its availability remains limited. For example, current algorithms struggle to produce images depicting medical care cases involving people of different colors. This gap prevents AI from progressing in crucial areas such as early detection of cancers, particularly in black skin, due to lack of adequate data.
Furthermore, the continent suffers from a lack of suitable infrastructure. Only a few African countries have efficient data centers, and some do not have any at all. Only Morocco is equipped with computers powerful enough to fully exploit the potential of AI. In addition, investments in this sector remain insufficient across the continent, which is hampering its development.
Researcher Seydina Ndiaye warned of the possible risks of “new colonization of Africa” by AI if these imbalances are not corrected. Regulation of the sector is also a major issue. In Kenya, for example, a proposed law on AI and robotics has sparked debate among industry professionals, highlighting the need to create a strong ecosystem including reliable data, adequate infrastructure and a skilled workforce before deciding on the regulatory measures to adopt.
It is essential that African governments and players in the new technology sector work together to overcome these challenges and ensure the harmonious development of AI on the continent. It is time to invest heavily in digital infrastructure, diverse and inclusive data collection, and training of local talent to shape a future where AI effectively contributes to socio-economic progress in Africa.