Microsoft has underscored the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in addressing many of Africa’s challenges.
Among these difficulties are those related to finances, agriculture, health, and security.
According to Microsoft, by 2030, artificial intelligence might boost Africa’s GDP by almost $1.2 trillion, this sum is reportedly a portion of the $15.7 trillion estimated total that technology may contribute to the world economy by that same year.
Theo Watson, a commercial lawyer with Microsoft Africa, revealed this in his talk at the virtual African AI Journalists Academy session titled “AI Opportunity in Africa.”
According to Watson, the $1.2 trillion that may be made in Africa by 2030 would increase the GDP of the continent by 5.6%. He contends that in order to fully realise AI’s potential and advantages, appropriate regulation is necessary.
He emphasized that ethical and sustainable innovation will be the cornerstone of global navigation through this AI-powered future. According to him, this would guarantee that the development of AI in the country stays consistent with social norms and human values.
Watson emphasized that establishing security and trust was essential and that Microsoft began its responsible AI journey in 2016. According to him, the AI values of Microsoft—fairness, rehabilitation and safety, privacy and security, inclusivity, openness, and accountability—went hand in hand with the company’s AI journey.
In a white paper, Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, stated: “In Africa, the AI revolution is not just possible, but already well underway. We are well-positioned to seize previously unimaginable opportunities in the future thanks to partnerships, appropriate legislation, and an unwavering dedication to ethical and responsible AI.
With AI-driven educational tools, a young workforce could be empowered by the technology, according to Barnard, who also stated that “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 in nearly every field of agriculture to health care.”
“As we navigate this AI-powered future, our journey must be underpinned by responsible and sustainable innovation, ensuring that our progress remains aligned with the human values, societal norms, and the needs that define Africa’s vastly diverse cultures,” Microsoft added in reference to AI governance in Africa and policy frameworks for a new frontier.
This entails being deeply involved with the continent’s particular problems, appreciating their complexity, and ranking the ones that artificial intelligence (AI) can help solve. In order to guarantee that AI solutions are not only technologically sophisticated but also culturally sensitive and actually helpful to African communities, it will be imperative to engage in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders.
Akua Gyekye, the Government Affairs Director of Microsoft Africa, also spoke at the webinar, stating that the world was changing, that industries were changing quickly, and that the factors driving economic growth were shifting. Gyekye asserted that the impact of technology on socioeconomic delivery issues—including those related to health, education, and agriculture—was substantial.
She claims that the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa is using artificial intelligence (AI) to cut down on water waste and offer cutting-edge water and sanitation services to its expanding populace.
“Farmers in Nigeria and Kenya are receiving personalized farming advise based on artificial intelligence, as well as soil and weather data. This enables them to make evidence-based decisions and raise yields by utilizing technology to do research and identify the best usage of AI to boost staff productivity,” she explained.
Nonetheless, Gyekye outlined a framework for controlling AI that may expedite prospects in Africa, emphasizing that this included guaranteeing public and academic access to AI and fostering openness.
