DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICA should construct its personal artificial intelligence (AI) programs or threat changing into a client of applied sciences developed elsewhere, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Professor Adolf Mkenda have warned.
He mentioned investing in digital infrastructure, analysis and expertise improvement is essential to making certain AI displays African information, languages, establishments and values.
Prof Mkenda made the remarks just lately whereas opening the Second International Conference on the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence within the African Context in Dar es Salaam, held beneath the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Economy in Africa.”
The convention introduced collectively researchers, policymakers and know-how consultants from Africa and past. More than 100 analysis papers have been submitted from 34 international locations, with 46 chosen for presentation.
“Africa must build artificial intelligence based on African data, African languages, African institutions and African values,” Prof Mkenda mentioned, stressing that the continent ought to transfer past importing applied sciences developed elsewhere.
He mentioned AI affords huge alternatives to remodel economies, enhance public providers and speed up improvement, notably in healthcare, training, agriculture, monetary providers and public administration.
For Tanzania, he mentioned AI might enhance service supply, enhance productiveness, strengthen decision-making and increase entry to data and financial alternatives. AI-powered instruments, he famous, might assist farmers analyse information, assist educating and studying, help healthcare professionals in analysis and enhance the effectivity of presidency providers.
However, Prof Mkenda cautioned that these advantages would solely be realised by sustained funding in science, know-how and innovation, digital infrastructure, analysis and workforce improvement.
He additionally referred to as for larger funding in digital and AIrelated expertise, saying universities and different greater studying establishments have a essential function in making ready graduates for a quickly evolving technological setting.
“Many African countries still face major challenges, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited research capacity, shortages of highly skilled professionals and the underrepresentation of African languages, cultures and datasets in AI systems,” Prof Mkenda mentioned.
He warned that insufficient African information might produce applied sciences that fail to mirror the continent’s realities, whereas weak governance might expose residents to privateness violations, misuse of private information and widening inequalities.
Prof Mkenda urged governments to set up clear governance frameworks to promote accountable AI improvement, shield private info and guarantee transparency. He additionally referred to as for stronger partnerships amongst governments, universities, researchers and know-how corporations to develop regionally related digital options and increase digital entry to underserved communities.
Speaking on the convention, University of Dodoma Vice-Chancellor Professor Lughano Kusiluka mentioned universities have a accountability to guarantee AI contributes to financial progress relatively than inflicting hurt by misuse.
He welcomed the participation of researchers from throughout Africa, saying the continent’s youthful inhabitants supplies a robust basis for harnessing rising applied sciences.
Prof Kusiluka mentioned universities should assist society perceive each the alternatives and dangers related to AI.
“Artificial intelligence itself is only a tool. Human beings use their natural intelligence to direct AI, whether for good or harmful purposes,” he mentioned.
He mentioned Tanzania can’t afford to delay embracing AI, however harassed that know-how ought to complement, relatively than change, unbiased considering.
Referring to the rising use of AI instruments resembling ChatGPT by college college students, Prof Kusiluka mentioned establishments should guarantee learners purchase real data as a substitute of counting on know-how to full educational work.
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He famous that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has already issued tips governing AI use, whereas universities have consultants to assist college students use the know-how responsibly.
Prof Kusiluka warned that college students discovered utilizing AI dishonestly in examinations might face disciplinary motion, together with failing examinations.
“Our responsibility is to ensure students acquire genuine knowledge that enables them to contribute meaningfully to society and national development,” he mentioned.
He added that AI ought to be embraced as a software for driving financial progress and bettering individuals’s high quality of life whereas safeguarding educational integrity.