Jeff Bordes is the CEO of Astria Learning.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at an incredible pace, but progress varies significantly across different regions. Consider Oxford Insights’ “Government AI Readiness Index 2024,” which evaluated 188 governments to see how prepared they are to “integrate AI into public service delivery.” Sub-Saharan Africa ranked the lowest among all regions, with an average score of 32.70; far below North America’s top-ranked score of 82.60. This disparity points to a persistent digital divide in Africa, one that could widen as AI becomes more pervasive.
There is already a stark digital divide in Africa, which limits to what extent it can leverage AI. As an article in the Economist (gated) noted, PwC “reckons that AI could add almost $16trn to global economic output by around 2030.” However, “Africa, which has around 17% of the world’s population, looks likely to get a boost from AI in its annual GDP of just $400m by 2030, or 2.5% of the total, because it lacks digital infrastructure.”
The evolution of AI could widen the existing digital divide in Africa and weaken the continent’s competitiveness on the global stage. But Africa has immense potential. For one, according to Deloitte, many African countries are not beholden to legacy systems. That puts them in an ideal position to quickly advance AI solutions. In my view, education is the key to tapping into Africa’s potential for becoming an AI leader. I believe that by focusing on AI education for both students and professionals in Africa, edtech leaders can empower the next generation of its workforce to develop homegrown AI solutions that address its unique needs, drive local innovation and nurture economic growth.
Why AI Education Efforts Should Start With Bridging The Hardware Gap
The first step edtech leaders should take in providing AI education to Africa should be bridging the hardware gap.
Africa has infrastructural challenges, with internet connectivity and electricity lacking for many people living on the continent. Unfortunately, there is also a severe hardware gap. According to the research group The Afrobarometer, “most Africans own a mobile phone and have access to a mobile phone network. However, fewer than half own a mobile phone with Internet access, and even fewer have access to a computer.” Additionally, as UNESCO noted in April 2020, 89% of learners in sub-Saharan Africa “do not have access to household computers.”
There are several pathways to bridging the hardware gap. One approach involves forming public-private partnerships to produce devices locally or import secondhand and discounted older models. For example, my company is currently collaborating with the government of Zambia to manufacture affordable devices that meet regional cost requirements. Another solution? Community hubs and training centers. Everyone may not get their own device, but they can go to a communal place, like a library or internet café, to access hardware. Then there are financing models that can make device purchases more affordable—without high interest rates.
The Importance Of Collaboration To Progress AI Education In Africa
Bridging the hardware gap aside, edtech leaders should take several steps to progress AI education in Africa.
A crucial step, in my view, is for edtech leaders to work closely with government agencies, community leaders and local businesses and conduct needs assessments—they should find out what the most pressing needs are of the communities they’re trying to help. In meeting with stakeholders, such as local employers and government agencies, edtech leaders should strive to learn about their specific challenges and needs and then start building training programs from there. That’s the approach we’ve taken at my company.
How EdTech Leaders Can Offer Relevant AI Learning And Training Solutions
With a clear understanding of local needs, edtech leaders can develop curricula focused on real-world AI applications, whether in healthcare, agriculture or fintech—and tailor those solutions to the specific regions they serve. In my experience, learners are far more motivated and better able to apply their new skills when they see direct connections to their daily lives and professional environments.
Working with other organizations is an effective way for edtech leaders to build tailored AI education solutions. For example, to accelerate AI education within communities in Africa, my company has partnered with an organization that offers practical AI skill-building programs. Together, we’re creating accessible, context-specific AI training materials that cater to both technical and nontechnical learners. Partnerships like these can allow companies to create accessible, context-specific AI training materials that cater to both technical and nontechnical learners, ensuring that broader AI literacy and innovation can take root.
Moreover, AI education and training in the region shouldn’t be solely code-based. While the continent will need people with technical skills, people in nontechnical fields need AI education as well. Edtech leaders can explore infusing no-code and low-code tools on the market into their programs to reach nontechnical learners.
Content localization is also important. Edtech leaders should strive to create educational content and training in the local languages of the parts of Africa they’re working in. By doing so, they can increase accessibility. For instance, some older Africans might not speak much French or English.
Ultimately, AI is not a luxurious technology that’s in the distant future. It’s here, and it’s increasingly becoming a part of our lives and the global economy. Africa can’t afford to fall further behind. By helping Africans gain crucial AI skills, edtech leaders can facilitate economic growth and innovation in the region.
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