Why Digital Economy?
The world is on the edge of a technological revolution that will disrupt the way we live, work and socialize.
A key aspect of this revolution is the digital economy, which covers all business, economic, social and cultural activities that are supported by the web and other digital communication technologies. The digital economy is characterized by the blurring of boundaries between the physical, digital and biological worlds. It’s mainly a product of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Leaning (ML), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies. These developments fall under what is popularly known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
AI4D Africa Scholarship Project
Under the digital economy program, ACTS has launched Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa (AI4D) scholarship program to foster and nurture talent in responsible Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in African public universities. The three 3-year scholarship program funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) aims to meet the growing demand for research and development in responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the continent.The project is implemented by ACTS based in partnership with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana; University of Linkoping, Sweden, University Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal. Other partners include University of California, United States; Human Sciences Research Council and Institute for Humanities in Africa based in South Africa; and the University of Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.
The scholarship program aims to create a critical mass of scholars to enhance research and development in AI and ML while public universities in sub-Saharan Africa will have developed their capacities to provide postgraduate training in the two fields.
A series of complementary activities have also been lined up to enhance research capacities of the scholars which include short-courses, PhD Academies quarterly seminars, annual workshops, mentorship, regional conferences and online training.
Following a rigorous selection and evaluation process, the 1st cohort of 22 scholars - 15 PhD students and 7 Early Career Academics (ECAs) - have been selected from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Senegal, Benin and Rwanda. Selection of the second cohort is underway and is expected to add more fellows to the project.
During the official launch of the AI4D program on August 31, 2021, the Executive Director for the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), Prof. Tom Ogada, said the program will help harness technologies in AI and ML.
“We are fully committed to ensure successful implementation of the program not only for the benefit of the scholars but also to help harness AI and ML technologies” he noted.
Katie Clancy of IDRC added that the program will spearhead research in AI and ML in the continent.
“We are excited to partner with SIDA and ACTS to strengthen artificial intelligence and machine learning ecosystems in Africa through high quality research, responsible innovation and nurturing of talent” she noted.
Apart from the scholarship, the program will create and support a network of scholars to catalyze uptake of AI and ML disciplines especially among women and the youth
Dr. Vilhelm Muller of SIDA lauded the formation of the AI4D Africa scholarship network that will create a forum for sharing ideas on AI and ML in the continent.“Networks enhance the probability of the outcome of the AI4D Africa initiative and should be maintained even after the scholarship and interact with other networks within innovation” he noted.More information about the project can be accessed here
