Technical Considerations for Designing, Developing, and Implementing AI Systems in Africa

Abstract

This study explores technical considerations for designing, developing, adopting, and using AI-based systems in Africa. Africa did not benefit as intended from the first three industrial revolutions. Cognizant of this fact, the continent is now expected to be aware of and ready to tap into the opportunities created by AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to fix chronic problems connected to efficiency while minimizing the unintended consequences AI might pose. Data for the study was gathered through focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII), and document review. The outcome of the study reveals that AI model adoption issues, AI biases, AI data availability, security, and privacy, AI model accuracy and quality, and AI resources have emerged as major technical considerations for adopting and using AI in the African context. The chapter provides valuable insights that would serve as input for policy formulation and AI capacity development endeavors.