Artificial Intelligence is now considered a central element in the digital transition of communities. It has become a priority on the technological development agendas of the peoples. Like developed countries, African countries also aim to develop Artificial Intelligence despite their lack of specialized skills.
During the African Conference of Start-ups and Artificial Intelligence, from December 5 to 7 in Alger, 45 African ministers issued a declaration on the development of start-ups and AI, according to the online publications of “We are tech.africa”. The wish of these African digital ministers is to put in place unified policies on artificial intelligence on a continental scale.
They saw a common framework for harmonizing regulations, sharing knowledge, and mobilizing resources for large-scale projects. It would also pave the way for strategic investments in digital infrastructure, while creating opportunities for African start-ups in regional and international markets, says Samira Njoya in this publication.
However, these ambitions require addressing several challenges, including the lack of specialized AI skills, inequalities in access to technology between rural and urban areas, and insufficient infrastructure such as data centers and broadband networks. In response, the ministers call for increased training, increased public-private partnerships and ensuring equitable access to technologies across the continent, the article said.
Samiya Njoya concludes her publication by encouraging such a unified policy that could transform the African digital landscape. It would, he said, create an integrated digital ecosystem, foster inter-African cooperation, establish strategic partnerships between universities, research centers and companies, and position Africa as a key player in artificial intelligence at World level.
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