Artificial intelligence may be a promising area for China-Africa cooperation to help African countries tap into their potential for economic growth, industry insiders said.
The Paradigm Initiative, a Pan-African non-profit organization that promotes digital inclusion, is touting artificial intelligence as the magic bullet that will help the continent add value to its vast minerals for economic growth.
Sani Suleiman Sani, head of programs at the Paradigm Initiative, said China has been a key strategic partner for most African states in areas such as trade, science, technology and infrastructure development, and artificial intelligence may also be an area where China can provide support.
“We need to unlock the potential of AI which requires strategic partnerships and careful consideration of ethical concerns. China can support this journey through collaborative research, capacity building and infrastructure development.”
Sani added that African states seeking fruitful AI partnerships with China should focus on strategic dimensions such as digital infrastructure projects, next-generation mobile communication networks and essential connectivity technologies, digital education and digital governance capacity, as well as developing artificial intelligence adapted to local African problems.
Data from PwC Research reveals that by 2030, the global AI industry will be worth nearly $16 trillion.
Chris Otundo, CEO of Brighter-Monday Kenya, a recruitment firm with a presence on the African continent, said Africa must be strategic to reap dividends from the industry.
“Our governments should strengthen partnerships with global players, including China and other AI-developed countries, to promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer. We can work with China to create innovation hubs and incubators that support AI-based innovation and growth,” Otundo said.
He said African states should allocate more funding to the development of the artificial intelligence industry. “We need to be able to allocate a reasonable percentage of our budget in an effort to develop the AI industry on the African continent and there is no other way around it because we either do it right or we forget it.”
Ehud Gachugu, Ajira Digital and Youth Employment project manager under the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, said AI collaboration between Africa and China can help the continent solve many of the challenges it faces in traditional sectors.
Living ecosystem
China’s AI industry is characterized by strong research and development, massive investment and a vibrant ecosystem of startups and tech giants, offering a wealth of opportunities for African nations to overcome traditional barriers and accelerate their development agenda,” said Gachugu .
He pointed out that by enhancing collaboration between Chinese AI companies, African startups and academic institutions, synergistic ecosystems can emerge, enhancing knowledge sharing, skill development and technology transfer.
“Through incubators, accelerators and joint research initiatives, African innovators can leverage Chinese expertise to develop AI-based solutions tailored to local challenges.”
However, the lack of a better regulatory framework is a major obstacle to the development of the AI industry on the African continent, according to experts.
“Most African countries… rely on data protection laws and other ‘soft laws’ to regulate AI. These laws often predate significant AI developments and may not adequately address the unique risks and opportunities that technology presents,” said Sani.
The author is a freelance reporter for China Daily.