AI research and development is accelerating worldwide, with most activity concentrated in the Global North. Africa risks falling behind in this AI revolution, leading to long-term digital and knowledge illiteracy, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities. While Africa is expanding its AI ecosystem—with over 2,400 AI-related initiatives reported in 2022—significant challenges persist, including limited funding, mentorship, and guidance in scaling responsible AI solutions.To bridge this gap, it is essential to develop responsible AI—AI that is ethical, inclusive, safe, and respectful of human rights. However, responsible AI must be Afrocentric, reflecting Africa’s cultural and ethical values. This project aims to establish AI principles tailored to Africa, providing essential tools and mentorship to help innovators transition from prototypes to scalable, real-world applications. By fostering an ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem, Africa can ensure that its AI development is both sustainable and beneficial for all.
Overall Objective
Responsible AI innovations that have been shown to address key development challenges in Africa (in the areas of gender, health, education, environment, etc.) are appropriately scaled.
Objectives
- Strengthen capacity of researchers and innovators from vulnerable communities to assess, develop and scale responsible AI solutions.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive approach to the research, development, and scaling of responsible and inclusive AI solutions in Africa.
- Ensure coherence and collaboration within AI4D and with the wider AI ecosystem to advance solutions that are developed and scaled responsibly.
Expected outcomes
Increased number of Women and PWD, 20 in total coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, with knowledge and skills for developing and deploying AI in Africa
Funder
IDRC/FCDO
