Artificial intelligence (AI) is still changing the world in many ways, offering humans both opportunities and risks. Given its large language model, AI requires a huge amount of data, an area in which Africa is underrepresented.
It is imperative that Nigerian grassroots organizations take the lead in creating machine translation tools and databases to increase access to low-resource African languages. It is necessary to imitate initiatives like Deep Learning Indaba, among many others.
Leaders from Southern Nigeria’s tech sector were present at the Borderless 2.0 conference when the topic of AI localization was brought up, and they assisted in fostering fruitful discussions on this and other topics.
Given the ongoing demand for artificial intelligence systems for language translation, it is clear from the discussion of these programs that Africa cannot avoid this technology. Economic, social, and cultural localization is increasingly required as a result of globalization, and this need for efficient and successful outcomes necessitates the use of technology.
The preservation and promotion of Africa’s history, culture, and native languages through artificial intelligence algorithms can be extremely beneficial.
Governments in Africa need to know how to move forward with implementing strong AI regulations and creating thriving AI ecosystems that sustainably support startup growth and the advancement of research and engineering talent, given that AI development is advancing quickly and has the potential to boost economic growth
The rise of AI has also given rise to chances to design more inclusive AI systems, democratize existing AI practices, and boost the involvement of underrepresented communities in AI research.
Research projects that artificial intelligence will boost the world economy by $15.7 trillion by 2030. However, there hasn’t been a particularly equitable distribution of power and finance made possible by AI technology up to this point.
The benefits of these technologies have not been felt throughout the African continent, despite the global reach of the AI supply chain. Instead, they are mostly enjoyed by Big Tech businesses in China and North America.
However, the African continent has a special situation that makes it possible to use AI technologies to promote local socio-economic growth. This includes the potential to bypass the Third Industrial Revolution’s technological infrastructure and a youthful population that is expanding and dynamic and prepared to adopt new digital jobs and entrepreneurial ventures.
Adopting AI solutions that facilitate the achievement of national developmental agendas and foster inclusive and successful societies needs to be a top priority for African governments and developers.
Author
