Lack of Cohesion Hinders AI Adoption in Africa, NEPAD Boss Says

Nardos Bekele, CEO of NEPAD, believes AI can significantly benefit Africa by addressing various challenges and accelerating progress towards Agenda 2063. Although AI offers potential improvements in sectors like health, education, and agriculture, challenges such as fragmented digital infrastructure and ethical concerns hinder its adoption.

Africa’s Agenda 2063

According to the head of an African development agency, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to address the continent’s multifaceted challenges and possibly help it achieve the goals of Agenda 2063 earlier than expected.

Speaking at the launch of an AI program for the African continent, Nardos Bekele, the CEO of New Partnerships for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), said the technology can be used to improve sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.

Bekele asserts that AI is no longer just a concept but a technology that is now reshaping industries worldwide and that makes the continent’s “moonshot” more attainable. The CEO cited the establishment of AI centers and programs in countries like Ethiopia, Morocco, and Senegal as evidence of how the technology is taking shape.

African Nations Urged to Align National AI Strategies with Continent’s Digital Transformation Strategy

However, the NEPAD boss said challenges such as fragmented digital infrastructure and ethical concerns hinder AI adoption. She also warned that AI could end up perpetuating or worsening the problems the technology is intended to solve.

“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,” Bekele said.

To overcome some of these challenges, the CEO urged countries to develop national AI policies and strategies that align with the African Union (AU)’s digital transformation strategy.

Although several African countries have made progress in developing national AI strategies, many countries have yet to put regulatory frameworks for AI deployment in place. According to Bekele, this lack of cohesion constrains Africa’s ability to capitalize on the potential of technology for social good.

Do you agree that AI has the potential to solve Africa’s longstanding problems? Share your opinion in the comments section below.