Were Africa to harness AI it could have the biggest impact on these four key African sectors:
- Agriculture will be done more efficiently and effectively, raising better yields.
- Healthcare will be bettered tailored, higher quality, and more accessible, improving outcomes.
- Public services will be more efficient and more responsive to citizens, enhancing impact.
- Financial services will be more secure and reach more citizens who need them, expanding access.
- Complementing labour in new ways — Job markets will start to adjust, demanding different types of workers with different sets of skills, not always to the immediate benefit of some.
- Getting students, the right skills — Education will need to adapt quickly to position students for future success, and frameworks must be created for workers and citizens to develop the skills they need to thrive.
- Reaching all citizens — Broadband coverage will need to expand rapidly, especially in rural areas, to enable all citizens and businesses not currently connected to reap the benefits.
- Ensuring AI is used ethically — Ethical questions are being raised regarding how to ensure the fair, secure, and inclusive use of AI applications.
- Overcoming the data desert — Data in African economies must make a quantum leap in terms of depth, breadth, and accessibility to enable researchers, developers, and users to drive AI.