Cutting-edge initiatives: How artificial intelligence is accelerating Africa’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

While much remains to be done globally to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa is beginning to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help it achieve these goals.

To support these fledgling efforts, two things are needed: collaboration among stakeholders and access to the necessary skills and infrastructure.

The opportunities associated with the use of artificial intelligence in Africa can be viewed from several perspectives; The first is the role it will play in providing cutting-edge health care to people who previously did not have access to it.

In addition to its own solutions, Google also works with local organizations such as Jacaranda Health in Kenya and OnTime Consortium in Nigeria, which use artificial intelligence to provide access to life-saving information.

Not only does this support Sustainable Development Goal 3, but it also empowers women to take control of maternal and child health with AI-powered solutions that help monitor pregnancies and predict complications, enabling early life-saving interventions.

The role of artificial intelligence also extends to improving food security; and addressing environmental and climate challenges affecting agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

By predicting flood zones and warning residents in advance, Google’s AI-powered flood forecasting system directly contributes to disaster preparedness by providing flood forecasts and alerts up to seven days in advance. Since launching in two countries last year, the service has expanded to 80 countries, 23 of which are in Africa.

Second, artificial intelligence can help economic growth. What is even more exciting is that this is an opportunity not only for large enterprises, but also creates incredible opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Mapping AI startups in Africa The AfriLabs report shows that Africa’s AI readiness index averages 26.91, highlighting the need for greater investment in AI infrastructure.

Initiatives such as the recently adopted African Union Startup Model Legal Framework set out guiding principles, a shared vision and key recommendations for member states to develop national legislative and regulatory systems for startups and opportunities to derive maximum value from the innovation ecosystem.

The path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is complex, but with AI as a catalyst, Africa can make significant progress. At Google, we’re excited to be part of this transformation.

The private sector is an important player in this ecosystem, and Google, along with other partners, continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting a thriving startup environment through initiatives such as the Google for Startup Accelerator for Africa and the Hustle Academy, which has supported over 10,000 to date graduates and the $50 million Google Investment Fund for Africa underline the private sector’s commitment to supporting African startups.

Third, strategic partnerships between African governments and the private sector are critical to the effective use of AI. By investing in infrastructure such as connectivity and data centers, and providing an educational framework that empowers the next generation of AI-literate African users, the continent can ensure inclusive growth and development.

While global progress is slow in many areas, artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity for African nations to overcome challenges and achieve these goals.

Artificial intelligence is not just another technology; is an enabler to reduce the barriers to realizing Africa’s potential. There has been much talk about the fundamental importance of skills such as STEM and coding, which provide an essential foundation for understanding the digital world. They are still essential, and when supplemented with artificial intelligence, access to learning and using these technologies becomes even easier.

For Africa to catch up in the global AI race, a multi-pronged approach is required. This includes not only investing in infrastructure and education, but also cultivating a culture of learning, innovation and entrepreneurship among the civil service, which is crucial to the continent’s transformation.

Governments should work to create clear policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage AI innovation while ensuring ethical standards and data privacy.

At GABI, Google will share an AI blueprint, the result of months of research and inquiry, that highlights model regulations and strategies that governments and institutions in Africa can adopt to gain AI opportunities. To complement this, we and our partners will launch the AI ​​Sprinters course, offering “Fundamentals of AI and Cloud Policymaking in Africa” for decision-makers and policy implementers on the continent.

The African AI journey doesn’t have to be done alone. Collaborative efforts among African countries can accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the continent. For example, regional and local organizations could play a role in coordinating AI strategies in African countries, sharing best practices and facilitating cross-border AI projects.

Africa must also continue to build partnerships with global technology leaders and AI pioneers. These partnerships can provide African innovators with access to the latest research, technology and expertise in artificial intelligence.

Finally, Africa must promote a culture of innovation where entrepreneurs and innovators feel empowered to explore AI-based solutions. This involves providing the necessary resources and highlighting many success stories.

Strategic partnerships between African governments and the private sector are critical to the effective use of AI.

By investing in infrastructure such as connectivity and data centers, and providing an educational framework that empowers the next generation of AI-literate African users, the continent can ensure inclusive growth and development.

The author is the managing director of Google SSA