The UK government has announced a £38 million funding package to support artificial intelligence (AI) projects in Africa and other developing regions. The initiative is part of a larger £80 million collaboration with Canada and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to promote “safe and responsible” AI programming, according to the Foreign Office.
The funding will be used to invest in post-graduate AI research skills in Nigeria, as well as to establish at least eight AI laboratories at African universities. The goal is to help African countries become “influential in the worldwide conversation on AI”, the department said.
The announcement was made on the first day of the AI Safety Summit, a two-day event hosted by the UK at Bletchley Park, where representatives from countries such as China, Germany, France, and the US are expected to gather. The summit will discuss the risks and opportunities of emerging AI technologies and how to ensure their ethical and sustainable development.
The UK has been recognized as a world leader in AI, with a thriving industry and academic community. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “To fully embrace the extraordinary opportunities of artificial intelligence, we must grip and tackle the risks to ensure it develops safely in the years ahead. With the combined strength of our international partners, thriving AI industry, and expert academic community, we can secure the rapid international action we need for the safe and responsible development of AI worldwide.”
The UK’s commitment to AI development in Africa is welcomed by many experts and officials on the continent, who see AI as a key driver of economic growth and social progress. Eliud Owallo, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for information communications and digital economy, said: “This partnership will benefit all countries and ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the AI revolution.”
Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s minister of information communication technology and innovation, said: “This collaborative initiative is of paramount importance as it empowers African countries to become producers, not just consumers, in the AI revolution, ensuring that we are at the forefront of shaping our own future and driving sustainable progress across the continent.”
AI has already shown its potential to improve lives in Africa, from new innovations in healthcare to supporting efforts to tackle climate change. However, there are also challenges and risks associated with AI, such as data privacy, human rights, accountability, and governance. The UK hopes that by fostering international collaboration and dialogue on AI safety, it can help address these issues and ensure that AI is used for good globally.
Source: The Independent
