As climate change remains a concern in Africa, the development of Afrocentric artificial intelligence has been recommended to mitigate this issue.
In honour of Africa Day 2024, the African Technology and Innovation Institute conducted a webinar wherein this appeal was made.
AI to address climate change in Africa
Prof. Rose Ekeng-Itua, the creator of the African Technology and Innovation Institute, underlined the pressing need for Africa to provide its human capital with the skills required to harness AI for addressing African concerns, especially climate action.
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She said, “The far-reaching effects of climate action are real, and they are here in Africa,” citing recent severe flooding in Kenya. It is imperative that we take action, and Africa ought to lead the way in this regard.
Every year on the same day in 1963, people worldwide celebrate Africa Day, commemorating the creation of the African Union—originally called the Organisation of African Unity.
“Education Fit for the 21st Century,” this year’s topic, emphasised how critical it is to prepare Africa’s future generation for responsible AI use.
Participating in the discussion were Prof. Jerry Kponyo, Dean of the Quality Assurance and Planning Office at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, and Mrs. Nela Ekpeyong, Co-Founder and CEO of LEGA.C Capital.
Why Africa should invest in research and development
Kponyo argued that Africa should invest in research and development to spearhead the global dialogue on climate change.
To lead the dialogue on climate action, he stated, “We must invest in research and development, ensuring that policies we put together address where we want to be as opposed to a global policy or protectionist agenda.”
Additionally, he emphasised the need to enhance the capabilities of individuals utilising novel technology, proposing that instruction ought to be initiated in high school.
Despite making up less than 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change—the continent’s high exposure, fragility, and limited ability to adapt present serious difficulties.
The Africa Development Bank estimates that by 2030, African nations must invest over $3 trillion in mitigation and adaptation initiatives to solve these issues.
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How AI is being used to cushion the effects of climate change in Africa
A United Nations project in Africa is using artificial intelligence (AI) to support communities in Burundi, Chad, and Sudan that are at risk from climate change.
AI technology is used by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Project to help predict weather patterns, which helps authorities and communities plan more effectively for adapting to and lessening the effects of climate change.
This entails expanding the availability of clean energy, putting in place efficient waste management procedures, and promoting reforestation. This is according to a report sighted in the World Economic Forum’s journal.