By Akani Nkuna
Experts at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research want African Artificial Intelligence to take centre stage in G20 discussions, stressing its crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency at the start of the month.
AI experts from the CSIR have stepped forward to lend their expertise, aiming to inform the G20’s efforts to tackle pressing global economic issues. They recently attended the Science Forum South Africa 2024, which was hosted by the Science, Technology and Innovation Department.
CSIR technologist Laing Lourens said on Thursday that Africa had a young population compared to Europe and other parts of the world. This meant that in 10 years, those young Africans would be global leaders.
According to Lourens, the Deep Learning Indaba, which was a grassroots AI and machine learning movement that now has a presence in 47 African countries in the form of sub-communities called Deep Learning IndabaX (DLIX), fell squarely in line with the G20’s objectives.
“The movement is led by young people pushing for African AI to address global challenges like agriculture, health, climate change, economic inequality and youth development,” he said.
Lourens noted that the CSIR has a strong connection to the Deep Learning Indaba, with alumni instrumental in its founding, and continues to back local DLIX initiatives.
The Deep Learning Indaba has spawned thriving African AI community groups, including Masakhane, SisonkeBiotik, and Ro’ya-CV4Africa, which are pioneering vital technologies and innovations across the continent.
“All of these organisations are regularly publishing new research in peer-reviewed journals and growing businesses – which is amazing for grassroots non-profits.
“It is now also time for this uniquely African innovation to include grassroots communities on other continents,” said Lourens, speaking on behalf of the AI experts who participated in the SFSA 2024 discussion.
Lourens emphasised that as key players in a field crucial to sustainable development, African AI communities and experts connected to the CSIR stood poised to make meaningful contributions to the G20 agenda.
At the forum, the CSIR engaged in various discussions and exhibitions, showcasing AI’s potential to address pressing challenges such as zoonotic disease management, pandemic preparedness, hydrogen energy, water cooperation, sustainable food systems, advanced manufacturing, literacy-enhancing technologies and tailored cancer treatments for African patients.
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