AI Transformative Power in Addressing Africa’s Multifaceted Challenges: NEPAD CEO

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing Africa's multifaceted challenges across sectors and its potential to fast-track the realization of Africa's Agenda 2063 was emphasized today.Speaking at the launching of the program 'Shaping Africa's Artificial Intelligence Future Strategies for Inclusive and Collaborative National AI Policy Development, NEPAD Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nardos Bekele said AI plays transformative power in addressing Africa's multifaceted challenges across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and governance.For her, Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept confined to science fiction, it is a reality that is reshaping industries worldwide.'Artificial Intelligence holds the potential to accelerate the realization of our Agenda 2063 and make our moonshot more attainable.'The CEO noted the progress made by some African countries, including Ethiopia, Morocco, and Senegal, in establishing AI centers and programs.However, she pointed out the significant challenges such as a fragmented digital infrastructure and ethical concerns hindering AI adoption in Africa.AI systems must be inclusive and avoid perpetuating existing inequalities, Nardos warned, adding that data privacy is also a critical issue, especially in countries with underdeveloped data protection frameworks, the CEO explained.'The issue of data privacy is paramount, particularly in countries where legal frameworks for data protection are still under the road. Ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly is critical to its acceptance and success in Africa.'She called for a unified African approach to AI to overcome the hurdles African countries face.The importance of developing comprehensive national AI policies and strategies, aligning them with the African Union's digital transformation strategy, is crucial, the CEO emphasized.According to Nardos, 'it's clear that the momentum for AI adoption is building, with several African nations taking the lead in developin g policies and frameworks to harness AI for social good.'She further noted that while some countries have made strides in developing national AI strategies, many others have yet to establish clear guidelines of regulatory frameworks for AI deployment.'Without a cohesive approach to AI policy, Africa is falling behind in the global AI race, unable to fully capitalize on the technologies potential for social good,' the CEO stressed.By working together, she said 'we can harness the power of AI for the benefit of all Africans.'Source: Ethiopian News Agency