Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize its future through the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasizes the need for strategic investment to harness these transformative technologies in his recent article published in The Guardian. With a rapidly growing population of 1.4 billion people, of which 70% are under the age of 30, combined with significant AI investments, Africa stands poised to reap the rewards of the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions.
Africa and the Middle East are expected to experience the fastest growth in AI spending worldwide, reaching $3 billion (£2.4 billion) this year and a projected $6.4 billion by 2026. Dr. Bawumia stresses that Africa cannot afford to miss out on these technological advancements, having previously missed the first, second, and third industrial revolutions. Data, driven by highly skilled national tech expertise and private-sector investments, is the key piece that will turn this vision into reality.
The potential of AI and data is already evident in various sectors across Africa. For instance, the establishment of Google’s AI research center in Accra has already yielded progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, and more. Dr. Bawumia highlights a project benefiting Ghanaian cashew farmers, which utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with AI-powered disease-detection capabilities. These flying robots collect data from cashew trees, enabling farmers to detect pest and disease symptoms before they become visible and cause severe crop damage. Such innovations hold immense value, considering that Africa produces half of the world’s cashew nuts.
Another notable initiative employs AI to assist smallholder farmers in Ghana in predicting post-harvest shortages and surpluses. By building improved prediction models for crop yields, this technology enhances food security for Ghana and the region. As smallholder farms in Africa contribute up to 70% of the food supply, the transformative impact of data-driven technologies on livelihoods and food security cannot be overstated.
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of data in decision-making. Dr. Bawumia witnessed firsthand how essential data was in shaping effective strategies. Through collaborations with organizations like the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and Vodafone Ghana, anonymized mobile phone data was collected and analyzed to gauge the effectiveness of lockdown measures in restricting movement. This invaluable data-driven approach facilitated informed decision-making and highlighted the potential of in-country experts who possess the skills to collect and analyze data for African decision-makers.
To ensure Africa’s successful transition into the AI era, it is crucial to invest in developing a skilled workforce of data experts. Ghana, for instance, has taken strides in training young people in data and AI, with Academic City University College in Accra becoming the first African higher education institution to offer a degree in artificial intelligence. However, proactive efforts are required to nurture and expand this workforce, enabling them to lead the tech revolution and drive economic transformation across the continent.
Global summits, such as those in New Delhi and New York, present historic opportunities for redefining development approaches. Dr. Bawumia highlights the importance of world leaders demonstrating commitment to the agenda of data-driven development at the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Goal Summit in New York. Key areas of focus should include funding, capacity development, skills enhancement, and partnerships. By prioritizing data, Africa and the world can make significant progress towards achieving sustainable development goals. It is imperative that decision-makers recognize the critical role data plays in shaping effective policies and strategies.
The urgency to act cannot be overstated. Investing in private and public-sector workforces and establishing interconnected data systems is essential to unlock the potential opportunities offered by AI. This investment will bridge the digital divide between countries and empower Ghana, as well as other African nations, to take control of their own success.
Dr. Bawumia emphasizes that the AI revolution must be driven by locally-led solutions and talent. Africa possesses a wealth of untapped potential in its skilled workforce, and by empowering these individuals, the continent can become a global leader in AI innovation and economic growth.
As the world stands at the precipice of the fourth industrial revolution, Africa has the opportunity to not only catch up but also leapfrog ahead. Through strategic investment in AI and data, the continent can address pressing challenges, such as food security, healthcare, education, and economic development.
In conclusion, Africa’s transformation through AI and data is within reach if the continent can secure the necessary investment and prioritize the development of skilled data experts. By embracing this technological revolution, Africa can unleash its potential, create sustainable economic opportunities, and shape its own destiny in the digital age. The time to act is now, and the future holds immense promise for Africa’s journey into the AI-powered future.
