ditor’s Note E

How do we see Africa bridging the gap between where we are currently and the AI that is upon us?

Technology

With China being the leader in AI development and holding the most AI patents, followed by the US albeit now lagging behind, it still leaves a huge gap in relation to the rest of the world contenders in this sphere.

Innovation in technology can look different depending on where you are geographically situated in the world, especially the African continent, where somewhere in a rural area; access to clean running water is a scarcity and makeshift innovations are implemented for pure functionality. As compared to innovation in a large populous city where fast-food companies are looking to streamline systems to offer meal drop-off by drones, or even hospital pharmacies using drones to deliver medication from one hospital to another, thus saving time, money and human capital.

The African Dilemma

But what happens to the human capital that was being used for this purpose of getting something from one point to another, the African dilemma in the age of technological advancements? Although the Ethics of social issues in the African context of lacking in basic human rights such as education, primary health care, water and sanitation. A combination of our youth, education in technology and timing may well be the answer.

Solution

Africa is the continent with the youngest population worldwide. As of 2022, compared to a global average, the continent has the fastest-growing youth population in the world, with 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25. With a decline in youth population in other continents, this could work to Africa’s advantage.

Africa is currently standing at the intersection of Youth and development, and the acceleration of technology adoption on the continent. How we adapt to the fast pace of change and adopt technology in schools and universities may be the key to bridging the gap between the historically slow adoption of technology (innovation) the high unemployment rate, and obsolete skills in the future.

Given these statistics, education in AI development amongst the youth will make for a promising future for Africa and its contribution to Artificial Intelligence. The generation that was born into the technological age, given the correct guidance, mentoring and support in education may well be the answer to Africa’s elevation in AI development and a positive socioeconomic impact not on the continent but on the world.

A solution where the past meets the present for a better future and progression of the continent and a recognised contribution to the world.

Aphiwe Sabela

Art Director

Zamokuhle Aja-Okorie

Graphic Designers

Erin Van Aswegen

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