Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping industries around the world and Africa is poised to harness its transformative power.
In an interview we did with Yemi Keriits founder and CEO Heckerbellashed light on the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for the continent, particularly in countries like Nigeria, while addressing the challenges and the role of governments in navigating this new technological era.
AI: A Developmental Equalizer
Ms. Keri referred to artificial intelligence as “growth equalizer.” In a continent where economic disparities and infrastructure gaps still exist, AI has the potential to accelerate progress in all sectors, regardless of a country’s state of development.
“AI can help solve issues that have long plagued the continent, from agriculture to healthcare and beyond“, Ms. Kerry explained. For many African nations, artificial intelligence represents a leap forward in tackling local problems with innovative solutions.
The role of government in the development of artificial intelligence
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future, governments across Africa are tasked with creating the necessary frameworks for its development. Nigeria has already taken steps in this direction, holding a national AI strategy conference to create guidelines focused on the ethical use of AI, data governance, cyber security and privacy.
According to Ms. Keri, such frameworks are necessary not only to guide AI development but also to create environments where AI technologies can flourish.
However, politics is not the only area in which governments must intervene. As artificial intelligence becomes more important, efforts must also be made to bridge the skills gap. He emphasized the need for early education in artificial intelligence and robotics, recommending that artificial intelligence-related curricula be introduced at the primary school level. “We must prepare for the unknown,” noted Ms. Keri, emphasizing the importance of workforce specialization and scaling to meet future challenges.
Infrastructure Gaps: A Barrier to Artificial Intelligence Development
Despite the optimism, Africa’s AI future faces significant infrastructure challenges. One of the major obstacles is the lack of adequate data centers and reliable broadband. Without them, it is difficult to support the computing power required for AI applications.
“We don’t have enough data centers and broadband penetration is low, which slows down innovation“, Ms. Keri pointed out. “Bridging this gap will be critical to the continent’s ability to take full advantage of AI.“
Energy also plays a critical role in the development of artificial intelligence, and Africa has a long-standing problem with electricity supply. Many sectors still struggle with inconsistent power, making it difficult for startups and enterprises to develop AI solutions at scale.
Ms Kuri pointed out that African governments need to invest in energy infrastructure alongside data infrastructure to ensure that AI innovation is not stifled by basic utility issues.
Early Adopters: Startups Lead the Way
Despite these challenges, African startups are already making strides in AI, particularly in areas such as agriculture and fintech. Entrepreneurs are using artificial intelligence to provide innovative solutions to problems such as soil quality management, pest control and access to credit. In agriculture, for example, AI-powered drones help farmers monitor soil moisture levels, diagnose plant diseases and optimize fertilizer use.
Financial technology (fintech) is another area where artificial intelligence is making significant inroads. Startups use AI algorithms to assess creditworthiness, provide financial inclusion and offer loans based on disposable income. The fintech sector is fast becoming one of the leading users of AI on the continent, using the technology to bridge gaps in traditional banking systems.
While the infrastructure may be lacking, African innovators are moving forward, creating AI-based solutions despite the odds. Ms. Keri praised this entrepreneurial spirit, noting that when the infrastructure improves, it will only accelerate the growth and impact of AI in Africa.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Africa
In the coming years, artificial intelligence is expected to play a key role in Africa’s development. However, predicting the full impact of this technology is difficult as AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
“We don’t know how AI is going to accelerate and change, but we need to be prepared for it” said Yemi Keri.
There is a growing belief that Africa could become a global hub for AI talent if the right investments are made in education and skills development. With its young population, Africa has a unique opportunity to train the next generation of AI experts. If governments, businesses and educational institutions work together, Africa could emerge as a leader in artificial intelligence innovation.
Ethical concerns: AI and the creative domain
One of the most contentious topics discussed was the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, particularly in the creative field. As AI becomes more adept at creating content—whether through text generation or visual art—concerns have arisen about how to protect intellectual property and ensure creators are fairly compensated.
Creatives across the continent are grappling with how to protect their work in the face of artificial intelligence tools that can create similar results using publicly available data. This is an area where more regulation and clearer guidance is needed to protect artists and content creators.
Conclusion: A bright, but uncertain future
Africa is on the brink of an artificial intelligence revolution. With the right infrastructure, policies and talent development, AI could be a powerful tool to address the continent’s most pressing challenges. However, without significant investment in these areas, Africa risks being left behind as the world continues to advance technologically.
For African startups and entrepreneurs, the message was clear: keep innovating. The continent’s unique challenges provide fertile ground for AI-based solutions, and those who can overcome the obstacles will be well-positioned to succeed in the AI era.
Yemi stated a parting thought:AI is a developmental equalizer. If we can tap into its potential, Africa can leap into a new era of growth and prosperity.”
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