Bisina SomtoThe United Kingdom, in conjunction with esteemed global partners, has pledged an investment of £80 million ($100 million) to accelerate development in some of the world’s most impoverished regions through the application of artificial intelligence (AI).
This initiative, which includes participation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Canada, the USA, and African partners, aims to address inequality and promote prosperity in Africa, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The commitment was unveiled at the AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire in 2023.
The Focus on AI in Africa
The decision to concentrate on AI is rooted in the technology’s potential to bring about transformative change in various critical areas. This includes expediting drug discovery, providing educational access to individuals with hearing or vision impairments, and enhancing the availability of clean energy solutions.
By harnessing the power of AI, this collaborative effort seeks to address pressing challenges and create sustainable solutions that can benefit millions in Africa.
Collaboration Details
The UK, alongside its global partners, is set to allocate funds to support safe and responsible AI projects for development, initially focusing on Africa.
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This financial support will not only foster Africa’s homegrown AI expertise but also bolster its computing capabilities, thereby nurturing AI innovators on the continent and contributing to its long-term development.
The UK’s AI for Development Programme is allocating £38 million, in addition to contributions from other partners.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
The UK government’s AI for Development programme has laid out several objectives for this collaboration, including:
Harnessing AI’s potential to benefit the 700 million people in Africa who speak 46 different languages.
Elevating at least five African countries to global prominence in discussions regarding AI, particularly in its application for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Establishing or expanding at least eight responsible AI research laboratories at African universities.
Assisting at least 10 countries in crafting sound regulatory frameworks for responsible, equitable, and secure AI.
Easing entry barriers for African AI innovators by collaborating with the private sector.
A 5-Year Plan for Transformation
Over the next five years, the UK, in collaboration with its international partners, intends to:
Provide funding for post-graduate training and fellowships in AI at African universities, thereby fostering the next generation of AI experts.
Invest in innovators who are utilizing locally sourced expertise and computing capacity to generate data that accurately represents the African continent.
Promote responsible AI governance to help African nations manage the potential risks associated with AI and adapt their economies to technological advancements.
Empower sub-Saharan African countries to play a more influential role in shaping the utilization of AI to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Support and Comments from Stakeholders
James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing its ability to change lives for the better on a global scale, including advancements in healthcare and food security.
Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI’s benefits are relevant, affordable, and accessible to everyone. AI has the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and its impact can be realized when the technology is available to all.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Science, Innovation, and Industry, stressed the importance of international collaboration to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI globally. Collaboration with like-minded partners and innovators is essential to harness the potential of AI for sustainable economic development.
Christopher Burns, USAID Chief Digital Development Officer and Director for Technology, highlighted the moral obligation of development practitioners and donors to ensure that AI is designed and deployed responsibly and ethically, particularly for undeserved communities.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed the incredible opportunities that AI offers in addressing socio-economic challenges. As policymakers, it is crucial to collaborate with long-standing allies to deepen capacity and knowledge.
The program will include investments in post-graduate AI research skills, locally focused datasets in Nigeria, and support for innovation and scaling in Kenya to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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