Seeding Change: Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Civic Space in Africa
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force globally, impacting various sectors from healthcare to finance. In Africa, AI’s potential is vast, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa where innovators are leveraging this technology to create sustainable and data-driven economies. However, the introduction of AI into civic spaces brings both opportunities and challenges that need to be carefully navigated. The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) recently attended the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum in Ghana, where discussions centered around the balance between these opportunities and the inherent risks associated with new technologies.
One of the key discussions at the forum was the role of AI in addressing online gender-based violence. WOUGNET’s chatbot, for instance, aims to assist survivors of such violence by providing them with necessary resources and support. This is a prime example of how AI can serve as an enabler for positive change. However, the same technology can perpetuate gender stereotypes if trained on biased data, highlighting the importance of involving marginalized groups in the design and implementation of AI systems. This duality underscores the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance, ensuring that the benefits are equitably distributed while mitigating potential harms.
Viamo, another organization working in this space, collaborates with civil society organizations to bridge the digital divide and connect with vulnerable groups. Their efforts demonstrate the potential of AI to foster inclusivity and empower communities. Yet, the use of AI by state security agencies for surveillance purposes raises significant human rights concerns. In Uganda, for example, the implementation of a facial recognition system with the help of a Chinese technology firm has sparked debates about privacy and the potential for abuse. The lack of regulatory frameworks for AI in Africa exacerbates these risks, posing challenges for civil society organizations working to protect civic space.
The African Union (AU) is acutely aware of these challenges and is actively working on a draft AI policy framework and a continental strategy. This initiative aims to guide AU member states in navigating the complexities of AI-driven change, with a focus on ethical, responsible, and equitable practices. The strategy emphasizes the importance of regional and global cooperation, positioning Africa as a leader in responsible AI development. However, for this vision to be realized, there must be greater engagement between civil society organizations, the AU, and national governments on AI regulation and governance.
The private sector also plays a crucial role in the AI landscape, particularly concerning data privacy and the misuse of AI technologies. Content moderation and accountability for human rights violations on digital platforms remain significant challenges. Collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society is essential to address these issues effectively. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary not only for creating AI tools but also for implementing safeguards that protect human rights and promote transparency and accountability.
Africa’s readiness for the AI revolution is a top concern, as evidenced by its ranking in a UN survey of AI readiness. Expanding technological infrastructure, along with training and upskilling, will be crucial in bringing more people online and giving them access to information and opportunities. This influx of new users and infrastructure will also help improve AI models and foster innovation. Already, Africa is seeing the impact of these advancements in key areas such as agribusiness, finance, and transportation. For instance, AI-powered weather forecasting is helping farmers make informed decisions, thereby enhancing productivity and resilience against climate change.
In the finance sector, AI technology is being used to construct identities based on payment and usage histories, allowing individuals without bank accounts to access financial services and improve their creditworthiness. This can support efforts to provide affordable insurance to underserved populations in Africa, where underinsurance is a major concern. Similarly, in transportation, AI has the potential to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability, attracting new investors to the market. Companies like Jetstream Africa are already leveraging AI to provide digital freight forwarding services, using historical performance data to predict delivery and loan repayment times.
Despite these promising developments, the expansion of AI in Africa faces several challenges. These include a lack of infrastructure, technological barriers, restrictive regulations, and a decentralized government approach that makes it difficult to create unified policies for AI. As a result, only one African nation, Rwanda, has announced a national AI policy. However, there is growing recognition of AI’s potential to aid in areas such as disaster response, population data analysis, and resource allocation. Overcoming these challenges will require collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to tackling the complexities of this evolving field.
Nigeria serves as a case study for the potential of AI in driving economic and climate progress. A recent report by the GSMA highlights the current and upcoming applications of AI in Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, which employs 40% of the population. AI and digital technologies can improve resource efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses in agriculture. Companies like Crop2Cash, Hello Tractor, and Farmcrowdy are at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions to support smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural outputs.
However, challenges such as limited data, high costs, and digital skills gaps hinder the widespread adoption of AI in agriculture. Nigeria also faces significant deficits in electricity access, with 45% of the population lacking access to the grid. AI holds potential for enhancing energy distribution and reliability, as demonstrated by Husk Power Systems, a US-based solar mini-grid developer utilizing AI to overcome market challenges and provide electricity access. Integrating AI into climate technology solutions can also enhance their efficiency and impact, contributing to Nigeria’s resilience against climate change.
The Nigerian government recognizes the importance of AI and plans to establish research centers equipped with cutting-edge technologies to promote AI, IoT, and blockchain development nationwide. These initiatives align with the broader goals of Agenda 2063, Africa’s overarching development plan for achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period. AI is seen as a key tool in achieving these goals, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and advancing African culture and integration.
Overall, AI is a powerful force that can drive Africa towards a brighter future through innovation, cooperation, and responsible practices. The implementation of the continental AI strategy will require collaboration and cooperation among AU member states, positioning Africa as a leader in AI development. Transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation are key to harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating its risks. Ongoing discussions and actions are necessary to address the impact of new technologies on civic space in Africa, ensuring that AI benefits all members of society and contributes to sustainable and equitable development across the continent.