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By Chinenye Anuforo
Tech Giant, Microsoft, has said that the artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize the way businesses are done across the African continent, explaining that the revolution transcends mere technological advancement.
Microsoft added that AI marks a strategic turning point wherein it will be leveraged as a catalyst for sustainable growth and chart a course towards a future brimming with innovation and boundless opportunity for Africa.
Quoting a recent report that showed AI technology could increase Africa’s economy by a remarkable $1.5 trillion – a figure that equals half of the continent’s current gross domestic product (GDP) the company stated that this isn’t just a figure but represents the possibility for AI to make a genuine difference.
In a white paper by President, Microsoft Africa, Lilian Barnard, she argued that the continent that already has the youngest population in the world, and will soon be home to one in five of the world’s consumers, the ability to leverage such a powerful tool to help businesses understand and better cater to the unique needs of Africa’s burgeoning consumer base through data analytics could be game changing. “It could also empower a young workforce with AI-driven educational tools, enhancing their skills and future employability. From agriculture to health care, AI is expected to enable faster and more profound progress in nearly every field of human endeavor and help address some of society’s most daunting challenges.
The potential for widespread transformation in Africa is only just beginning to be realized. In health care, for example, AI is expected to improve clinical experiences and support better health care delivery. Already, in Rwanda and Ghana, AI-powered diagnostic solutions are being deployed to improve medical imaging analysis. These tools assist in the early detection of diseases such as breast cancer and tuberculosis. Companies like Zipline are using AI to optimize drone delivery routes for medical supplies and vaccines, significantly enhancing access to essential medications in remote areas.
The impact of these AI applications in the health care sector has been predicted to be profound, having the potential to lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes, and an overall strengthening of health care systems.
In the agricultural sector, AI is emerging as a supportive tool that can aid in managing resources more efficiently. For instance, by providing data-driven recommendations for fertilizer application, AI has the potential to help farmers reduce unnecessary expenditure and increase profitability, thereby enhancing their economic resilience”, she said.
Speaking during the African AI Journalists Academy held virtually during the weekend, a Commercial Lawyer with Microsoft Africa, Theo Watson, in his presentation, “AI Opportunity in Africa”, emphasized the need for responsible regulation of AI to accelerate its opportunities and reap its benefits. According to him, as the world navigates this AI-powered future, our journey must be underpinned by responsible and sustainable innovation
He said that this would ensure that the progress of AI in the continent remained aligned with human values and societal norms.
· “Responsible and sustainable innovation will ensure that AI progress aligns with the needs that define Africa’s vastly diverse cultures.
· “This involves a deep engagement with the continent’s unique challenges, recognizing their complexity and prioritizing those that AI can help solve.
“Also, collaborating with relevant stakeholders will be key to ensuring that AI solutions are not just technologically advanced but also culturally attuned and genuinely beneficial to African societies,’’ he said.
Watson stressed that building trust and security was key and Microsoft responsible AI journey started in 2016. He said that the Microsoft AI journey was accompanied with its AI principles of fairness, rehabilitation and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability.
Also speaking during the webinar, Akua Gyekye, Government Affairs Director, Microsoft Africa, said the world was changing and industries are transforming rapidly and drivers of economic growth are evolving.
Gyekye said that technology was addressing socioeconomic delivery issues, such as health, education, and agriculture among others, adding that the impact was real.
According to her, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa is leveraging AI to reduce water wastage and provide innovative water and sanitation service to its growing population.
· “Farmers in Nigeria and Kenya are getting customised advice on farming based on AI, advice on soil and weather data.
· “This helps them to make evidence- driven decisions and increase yields using technology to do the research and help find the right use of AI to boost productivity of their workforce,” she said.
Gyekye, however, highlighted some blueprint for governing AI that could accelerate opportunities in Africa, noting that this included promoting transparency and ensuring academic and public access to AI.
