Blog Single

Adopt and adapt the benefits of AI now, or risk suffering its effects and power in the future

As with digitalisation, Africa still risks taking the wrong approach to the integration of Artificial Intelligence. In fact, this noisy revolution is underway, defining economies, industries and the daily lives of billions of people. Unfortunately, our continent is putting itself in the position of “SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY” and joining the AI race. We are approaching this race poorly and with several handicaps, the most significant of which remain a lack of understanding of the challenges and the appropriate ownership of AI tools, starting with the basics. This is not simply a technological evolution, but rather an opportunity to get off to a good start for the first time and adapt our context to changing international paradigms.

A nation’s intelligence lies less in its ability to move forward and more in its ability to address endogenous and exogenous development issues. Unfortunately, the mistake of following waves of innovation and trends based on priorities defined by those who designed them in perfect alignment with their own current priorities and resources still persists.

As AI advances at a rapid pace around the world, Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads, faced with the age-old dilemma of “how AI will impact the continent.” We find ourselves caught between opportunities that could catalyse development, fill structural gaps and drive innovation, and the risks of suffering the full force of this technology’s disruptive effects without having controlled its rules or benefited from its spin-offs.

The potential of technology to accelerate innovation in West Africa, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years, is now widely recognised, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic period, which has slowed down many activities but has nevertheless contributed to the accessibility of mass information. Understanding the challenges and adapting accordingly is therefore necessary for the intelligent adoption of Artificial Intelligence.

Recently, the Digital Index ranking, which assesses the development of digital technologies in 125 countries representing 92% of the world’s population and based on 184 indicators, revealed that 25 African countries have seen a sharp increase in digital parity on the African continent over the last decade, thanks in particular to targeted inclusion programmes.  The Republic of Mauritius ranks 62nd globally with a score of 52.31 points, ahead of South Africa (66th globally), which scores 50.11 points, Botswana (76th), Tunisia (79th), Kenya (84th), Morocco (87th), Egypt (91st), Namibia (94th) and Algeria (96th). Senegal (97th in the world) closes out the top 10 African countries.

In light of these data, Africa still has a long way to go in terms of digitalization and technological growth. With regard to artificial intelligence, the continent faces several obstacles, namely: limited knowledge of artificial intelligence and a lack of adequate training, an unsuitable legal and institutional framework, and reluctance on the part of academic and professional authorities, fearing for change and manly for their career.

Bridging these gaps requires a strategic shift that involves returning to the basics and fundamentals of AI, not as a replacement for human intelligence and effort, but rather as a means of supporting productivity and saving time for economic and social growth. Strengthening understanding of the issues at stake for Africa, adapting policies in this area and building the capacities of practitioners. Africa does not need to replicate the complex models of Northern countries at this stage; the most impactful tools are often simple.

Once this strategic pause is complete, our focus must shift to establishing technological sovereignty by developing AI in Africa, for African challenges, using African data. AI can optimize city management, prevent food crises, improve access to health and education, protect the environment, and enhance economic competitiveness. We cannot afford to miss this new wave of innovation, or risk increased dependence on foreign solutions.

There are strong examples of AI-driven progress, such as Hèrè in Mali, which uses AI to improve the supply chain for essential medicines and combat shortages and counterfeits. UjuziKilimo in Kenya analyzes soil data to provide farmers with personalized advice, increasing yields. TradeDepot in Nigeria optimizes supply chains between brands and small traders. AI should be viewed as an investment with significant returns, not merely as an expense.

We must heed the lessons of history and avoid stumbling over the same obstacles that hindered our digital progress. Africa’s late entry into the digital revolution is a powerful reminder: we cannot afford to let opportunity slip by again.

The continent has largely been a consumer of digital technologies (mobile telephony, social networks) without being a major player in value creation. Critical infrastructure (data centres, fibre optics) is often in the hands of foreign players, and the dominant platforms are non-African.

To avoid what happened to us with digitalisation, we must invest in sovereign infrastructure: develop local data centres and strengthen connectivity; stimulate local innovation rather than simply importing solutions; vigorously develop AI skills from an early age and in vocational training; and create a favourable regulatory environment that encourages investment.

Time is of the essence. Artificial intelligence will strengthen those who adopt it and expose the vulnerabilities of those who do not. For Africa, the path forward requires bold and sustained investment in education, infrastructure, local innovation, and effective regulation. Our goal is to create an inclusive, ethical, and distinctly African approach to AI that addresses the continent’s most pressing needs. To remain competitive, we must act decisively now.

Elhadj Amadou Samb

Director of the

Smart Office.sn