Raoul MISSODEY’s Post

Can #AI become a force for good in Africa? As governments, tech leaders, and academics push for a leapfrog in AI adoption by 2030, the question arises: can #Africa truly develop a "Made in Africa" AI? ➡️Read Concerto latest piece by Marvin Amegashie

Today, we launched the GSMA, "AI for Africa: Use cases delivering impact". Check the report out here https://lnkd.in/dYbz9-x8 Thanks to the GSMA - Mobile for Development team for highlighting our work at Fastagger on on-device AI. Below is a quote from the report. "In Kenya, deep tech startup Fastagger is developing a software infrastructure that allows ML and AI models to run directly on edge devices, including on lower-end smartphones." Highlights from the report: - Strengthening baseline infrastructure and promoting renewable energy, providing hardware and cloud credits, enhancing edge computing capabilities and building institutional capacity will be essential to boost local compute capacity. - AI has the potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by bringing innovative approaches to inclusive and sustainable development where it is most needed. - The technology is already being deployed across countries in Africa, however, there is not enough evidence of solutions focused on addressing pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges unique to the continent. Thank you to Eugénie Humeau Tanvi Deshpande Daniele Tricarico and especially Isis Nyong'o Madison who made the connections #ai #aifordevelopment #edgeAI #ondeviceai #generativeai #LLMs #SLMs https://lnkd.in/dYbz9-x8

I attended the Bluechip Data And AI Summit hosted by Bluechip Technologies The Exclusive Fireside Chat titled "Africa's Digital Leapfrog: Using Data and AI to Unlock Growth Potential" with Olumide Soyombo and Abubakar Suleiman reminds me of what's coming and what we at Droomwork believe in. We are building the infrastructure that would export Africa's Technological workforce at scale. Africa would have be the youngest workforce by 2050, its not too early to build the infrastructure, train the talents and also export them to the world. Kazeem Tewogbade introduced Bluechip Data Platform (BDP). AI agents are coming but you need BDP to store the billions of data events coming from these agents. #Data #thebluechipdataandaisummit2024

We aren't slowing down and reporting from sunny Marrakech, where Magdalena Oliwa participates in GITEX AFRICA! The main topics of the conference focus on #AI.🗨 Together we will discuss how artificial intelligence can offer solutions to key problems faced by Africans, including healthcare availability, agricultural productivity and financial exclusion. 🌍🤝 Let's talk and create a better future together! 💡As the organizers emphasize: ,,Key statistics show that over 60% of Africans under the age of 25 constitute an unrivalled potential workforce in the technology industry. Despite this, the digital divide persists - only 39.3% of respondents have access to the Internet. As Africa navigates this transformative landscape, key questions arise: Where does AI go from here?” We have interesting lectures and numerous meetings with partners and business friends ahead of us. See you!👋 #VSoft #GitexAfrica

Dubai, UAE – Eswatini’s Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, represented the Kingdom at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival, joining a prominent panel discussion on “Sovereign AI: How a National Constraint Can Be Turned into a Global Opportunity.” The festival, which gathers experts and innovators in artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies, served as a platform for countries and tech leaders to exchange ideas and explore opportunities in digital transformation. Eswatini’s presence highlighted the country’s growing commitment to harnessing technology for national development. Central to Eswatini’s digital agenda is the Eswatini Digitalisation Strategy known as “Government in Your Hand.” The initiative seeks to make government services more accessible through a web portal, mobile apps, and self-service platforms. It also aims to draw in tech talent and spur innovation, creating fresh economic opportunities for emaSwati. https://lnkd.in/dbpQ_mYR

I pleaded a case for Africa, during a thorough workshop section by USAID (at the International Telecommunication Union AI for Good) on access to AI Computing Power and Energy, that Africa be provided with regional/continental computing power and data centers for AI advancement for good, through public-private partnership, as this will meet SDG 10. Furthermore, a small/medium number of GPUs should be availed at multiple locations within the continent for accessibility, which will be more than sufficient to fine-tune or train certain size AI models/Data that are providing solutions in key sectors (Agriculture, Health, etc). I am glad this is been looked into by USAID This will however ensure that data remains in Africa, which will make African Nations comfortable. In achieving AI for Good, it will also be a good idea that computing power and data are not left in the hands of the big companies alone, like Invidia and Google. This will eliminate numerous unforeseen risks and threats. Christopher Burns #ITU #aiforgood #usaid #ukaid #un #africa #ai

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 Advances in Artificial Intelligence technology are causing a paradigm shift in the healthcare sector in Ghana and many other regions of the world. AI can drastically transform healthcare in Ghana by offering better patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. Notwithstanding the exhilaration of novelty, it is imperative to guarantee the conscientious assimilation of artificial intelligence. To find out more, read the full article from our primary member, Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH), here: http://uxi.re/y8P_h ICT Association of Uganda SAICTA BOTSWANA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY Rwanda ICT Chamber Computer Society of Zimbabwe ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK) ICT Association of Zambia - ICTAZ ICT Association of Malawi #TICON #Africa #IIPGH #Ghana #AI #Future #News

“Excellent insights! 🪫 The challenge of reliable power is a crucial factor in Africa’s ability to compete in the global AI race, especially since AI and data processing require massive amounts of energy. EGA Tech initiative to install solar panels 🌅 is not only inspiring but demonstrates a tangible step in empowering Africa’s talent to participate in the AI revolution. While large-scale renewable energy 💨 projects can be expensive 💰💸 and difficult to implement, there are more feasible, scalable solutions that could bridge the gap. Microgrids powered by solar or hybrid energy could provide localized, reliable power to smaller communities and tech hubs, bypassing the need for massive grid infrastructure. ➕ Additionally, energy-efficient AI systems and edge computing can help reduce energy demands by processing data closer to its source, minimizing the need for vast, power-hungry data centers. Another potential solution lies in tech companies can collaborate with local governments to fund smaller, incremental power projects that focus on specific regions or communities. International organizations and investors like Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) could also play a key role in funding targeted energy infrastructure projects, which are critical to Africa’s digital future. Africa’s potential in the AI space is enormous, and with innovative, cost-effective solutions like these, the continent can actively participate in shaping the future of AI while overcoming infrastructural challenges. Would like few AI influencers Brij kishore Pandey Cassie Kozyrkov Andrew Ng Demis Hassabis Ian Goodfellow Daphne Koller Lisa DeLuca lisa.x Marques Brownlee Asmau A. THE AI ANDY FITZE 🧠⛵ Bernard Marr to take part in this and share your insights on 1. How can we leverage existing AI technologies to overcome infrastructure challenges in developing regions? 2. What role do you see for emerging technologies like edge AI and decentralized computing in making AI more accessible globally, particularly in regions with power constraints? 3. How can private AI companies and international organizations collaborate with governments in developing countries to fund and build the necessary infrastructure? 4. What are your thoughts on building a more inclusive AI ecosystem that ensures developing countries have access to both the tools and educational resources needed to participate fully in the AI revolution? The potential for AI to accelerate it’s essential that we ensure all regions, including Africa, have the infrastructure to contribute and benefit. With your collective expertise, I’m hopeful that we can shape a future where AI is not just the domain of a few, but a truly global and equitable force for innovation.” #AI #AIAFRICA #AIFUTURE #AIINFRA #TechTrends #InnovationChallenge #innovation #technology #Future #futurism #Entrepreneurship #Startups #VentureCapital #sustainability #education #motivation

Mobile connectivity is a key driver of digital transformation and socioeconomic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the mobile industry contributed $140 billion, or 7%, to the GDP of the region, a number which is expected to grow to $170 billion by 2030. The adoption of 4G continues to rise in the region and is forecast to account for 50% of total connections by 2030. 5G adoption is also accelerating and forecast to contribute $10 billion to the region's economy in 2030, accounting for 6% of mobile's total economic impact. As well as growing 4G and 5G momentum, other key trends shaping the mobile ecosystem include market consolidation, aerial connectivity, generative AI and GSMA Open Gateway. Read our newly launched #MobileEconomy Sub-Saharan Africa Report for more insights: https://bit.ly/3AwcdYu #mobileeconomy #connectivityforgood #digitalinclusion 

The Lawyers Hub was among the first stakeholders invited to participate in discussions on Kenya's AI National Strategy. Yesterday, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya launched and initiated the process of developing Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things strategy. This initiative aims to facilitate dialogue and enhance understanding of the impacts of #ArtificialIntelligence and the Internet of Things #IoT on the country. The process will involve a series of meetings and discussions geared towards developing Kenya's AI strategy. Philip Thigo, MBS one of the speakers during the launch, highlighted the key enabling pillars of AI: #Data, #Compute, and #Talent. He also highlighted other key principles/enablers for AI that included #Infrastructure, #Power (electricity), #Governance, #sustainablefinancing, #partnerships/collaboration, and #agility. The Lawyers Hub looks forward to more engagements and discussions towards the development of sector-friendly strategies not only in Kenya but also in Africa. We are open to more engagements from countries and sector stakeholders in discussions and conversations around the space. Currently, Africa has at least 7 countries that have the strategies, with Kenya joining South Africa and Nigeria, which are currently in the space of developing their own. We therefore invite you to our Virtual event scheduled for the 17th of April 2024 at 3 PM EAT to discuss the #AI #policy & developments that have been witnessed in #Africa for the first quarter of 2024. This event will provide a platform for you to share your insights and experiences, further contributing to the advancement of AI policy in the region. Click the lick to register https://lnkd.in/dGYCWSFC