Africa's voice does not echo in AI

Data poverty hampering possibilities
Despite the potential that AI holds in alleviating uniquely Namibian struggles, home-grown AI solutions continue to be left underdeveloped.
Iréne-Mari van der Walt
  • 1 Month Ago
While Professor Anicia Peters believes that there are plenty of challenges for artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle in Namibia, data poverty is hampering the possibilities of uniquely Namibian solutions.

Speaking at the eighth national ICT summit in September, the computer scientist - who specialises in human–computer interaction and is the CEO of the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) - said Namibia can skip a few steps when it comes to technological development through the principle of technological leapfrogging. "Namibia's youthful population and emerging start-up ecosystem provide fertile ground for technological innovation and AI development."

Despite the potential that AI holds in alleviating uniquely African and Namibian struggles, Peters said home-grown AI solutions continue to be left underdeveloped, adding that Namibia tends to be over-reliant on imported AI technologies and research.

Like many other experts in the ICT sector, Peters believes that Namibia needs sound legislation upon which it can rest technological advancement. She further shared that humanity should always remain at the forefront of the AI revolution. "Human control must remain paramount," she said.

According to her, the desire for AI systems that reflect human-like behaviours is currently at odds with ethical concerns regarding the development of AI.

Peters cautioned Namibians to be wary of what she dubbed the "unintended consequences of AI". These include deepening the digital divide, unequal development of legislation, the exclusion of African value systems and indigenous knowledge in AI development, and potentially the absence of African languages in AI.

She added that a lack of funding, gaps in cybersecurity mechanisms and technological infrastructure that is falling short are currently hampering Africa - and Namibia in particular - in endeavours to contribute meaningfully to the development of AI.



- irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na