By: Van Soul Addey
The Artificial Intelligence
for Development (AfriAI) Lab is working to position Africa as an active
creator, contributor and owner of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
through locally driven research, capacity building, inclusive innovation and
sustainable technological ecosystems.
The initiative aims to
ensure that AI innovations address Africa’s development priorities and respond
to the real challenges facing communities across the continent.
In a statement, AfriAI Lab
said Africa was witnessing the emergence of new AI paradigms that raised
fundamental questions about their relevance to grassroots communities,
responsible development and ownership, inclusivity, and the long-term
sustainability of AI-driven solutions.
“The challenge is no longer
simply about adopting emerging technologies, but about ensuring that Africa
actively shapes, develops, owns, and benefits from AI innovations that address
its unique development priorities,” the statement said.
AfriAI Lab, hosted jointly
by the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and the Nelson Mandela African Institution
of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), said its approach prioritised locally
driven AI research, capacity building, inclusive innovation and sustainable
technological ecosystems.
Through research in
healthcare and agriculture, investment in African AI talent, access to
computing infrastructure, development of locally relevant datasets and
strategic partnerships, the lab is seeking to change Africa’s position in the
global AI ecosystem.
The initiative aims to move
the continent beyond being primarily a consumer of AI technologies towards
becoming an active participant in developing and owning AI solutions.
“Our vision is clear: AI in
Africa must not only be developed for Africans, but also developed by Africans,
with Africans, and for sustainable African impact,” AfriAI Lab said.
The lab is funded by the
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development Office through the Artificial Intelligence for Development
(AI4D) Africa Programme.
