There are numerous applications of AI in Africa that can actually be implemented or "developed accordingly," Tsepo Mokau, a data science analyst at the South African Banking Risk Information Center (SABRIC), told Sputnik Africa.
"But I believe AI can actually play a role in agriculture," he said, adding that with better data collection and weather prediction, AI can enhance crop yields and monitor fields for diseases more efficiently than manual methods.
The potential of AI in healthcare is also remarkable. Tailoring medications to individual needs, rather than relying on generic treatments, could lead to better health outcomes. Mokau noted that there is still much progress to be made, but AI's capability to monitor health data and customize treatments is promising.
In education, AI can connect classrooms across even the most remote regions.
"Every child on the African continent, no matter where they are, can have the same kind of education," said Mokau.
AI could also play a critical role in security. Innovative technologies like digital forensics and large-scale language models can analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends and link individuals to potential crimes.
"Also, [AI can] help in policing like: how do you actually distribute the resources that we have for security purposes? How do we do that optimally?" the analyst explained.
Beyond economic growth, AI can bolster local technology sectors. Mokau stressed that AI solutions should be developed locally, incorporating African social norms and culture to avoid biases. This approach ensures that AI is tailored to the continent's specific needs.
However, challenges such as economic dependency and data sovereignty remain. Mokau underscored the importance of storing data within African borders to protect privacy.
"Whoever wants to be a player within the African context will have to invest into skill development, invest in infrastructure development in Africa," Mokau noted.