Smart Africa, Intel partner to build AI capacity building for African policymakers

Smart Africa, Intel partner to build AI capacity building for African policymakers

With AI set to increase global GDP by $15.7-trillion by 2030, there’s a need for policymakers to understand its benefits and risks to promote responsible AI that leads to sustainable economic growth.

Smart Africa -- an alliance of 31 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with the continent’s digital agenda -- in March through its capacity building arm the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) and in partnership with Intel Corporation held a four-day capacity building workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) to empower African public sector decision makers on emerging technologies to drive informed policymaking, foster growth of the digital economy and promote national competitiveness.

The workshop, which was held between 15 to 19 March, is part of the Digital Readiness programme led by Intel which targets policymakers responsible for designing, developing and deploying emerging technology-based solutions.

Government officials from 22 African countries participated in the four-day virtual event which focused on technology considerations for security in AI and the importance of data.

Smart Africa CEO and Director General Lacina Koné said the alliance has built a strong relationship with Intel Corporation over several years as an integral member of the Smart Africa Alliance. “This partnership is premised on the understanding that digital growth should be underpinned by strong and informed decision making. Capacity building for decision makers is a critical element through which we build towards a single digital market for Africa,” added Koné.

Intel Emerging Markets Director for Government and Education Sven Beckmann pointed out that there’s need for enabling policies that will unlock investments into the continent’s tech sector and facilitate skills development, mainly for Africa’s growing young population.

“Educating and empowering government leaders on emerging technologies to drive informed policymaking and expand digital readiness for all is of utmost importance. We are excited to work with Smart Africa and look forward to our collaboration with government leaders for their digital transformation journey,” said Beckmann.