As the first quarter of the 21st century continues to unfold, many, including the World Economic Forum, have noted that we are living in a digital age, one that is quickly becoming an artificial intelligence (AI) era.
Dr Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, director of government affairs Africa and IGA chief technology officer liaison at Intel
Both digitalisation and AI are also defining forces of the future, making it essential that Africans are ready for this monumental change in how we live, work, do business and interact with the world around us.
AI is projected to contribute significantly to Africa’s GDP, with estimates ranging from a $1,2-trillion to $1,5-trillion increase by 2030 if African businesses could capture just 10% of the global AI market. And, according to a report by the African Union Development Agency, AI could potentially double GDP in African countries by 2035. Digitally-driven solutions are also set to reshape Africa’s economic landscape in sectors including agriculture and fintech.
Digital readiness – and especially having proficiency in using AI tools – has become an integral part of thriving in this technology-driven world.
Ready for the Future
Digital readiness – which encompasses digital skills, trust, and understanding of responsible use – can be built on a four-tiered approach. Firstly, offering technology advice to African governments on their digital transformation journey. Secondly, working with key countries, regional economic communities, and continental organisations to help them develop harmonized policy frameworks that foster an African single digital market. Thirdly, supporting the tech startup ecosystem to help them create African solutions to African challenges. Finally, and most importantly, helping upskill the youth and the current workforce.
Readying people for a digital and AI future is even more of an imperative for the African continent. For this reason, Intel has thrown considerable weight behind a global public-private partnership initiative called the Intel Digital Readiness Programs. These programs aim to ensure that people have the skillsets, mindsets, and tools that they require to succeed. Readying people for a digital and AI future is even more of an imperative for the African continent. Africa boasts the youngest population demographic globally, with more than 400 million young people aged between the ages of 15 to 35 years, making it a primary source of the future workforce.
To this end, our digital readiness initiative consists of programs across three horizontals – AI, Digital Trust, and Semiconductors. In Africa, we have partnered with governments and community organizations to launch AI for Citizens, AI for Youth, AI for the Future Workforce, AI for the Current Workforce, Digital Readiness for Leaders, and the AI Global Impact Festival.
The AI for Citizens program supports our goal to “bring AI skills everywhere” by developing awareness and understanding of AI among the public. The AI for Youth program, aimed at students ranging from seven to 18 years old, empowers school students to learn and apply AI tech and social skills for real-world problem-solving.
The AI for Future Workforce program focuses on empowering those at technical, vocational, and professional schools with the necessary skills for employability in the digital economy. In line with Intel’s belief that no one should be left behind, the AI for the Current Workforce program aims to upskill and reskill those already working in small and medium enterprises.
The fifth arm of the initiative, Digital Readiness for Leaders, caters to government leaders, building an understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, cloud, connectivity, Internet of Things, and cybersecurity.
As a culmination of the Digital Readiness efforts worldwide, the AI Global Impact Festival encourages students around the world to submit their impactful AI solution to the annual AI Changemakers competition and have the opportunity to win global prizes and industry mentorship.
A crucial piece of the digital readiness initiative is training teachers how to integrate information and communication technology and how to effectively impart digital skills across the various programs. This is accomplished by its own dedicated program, the Intel Skills for Innovation Program.
Guiding the Way
As a leading technology partner to the continent, the Digital Readiness initiative builds on previous initiatives to help guide the continent into the digital era.
For example, the company has previously launched initiatives to cater to underserved African communities; integrated five of the seven African innovation projects into various Intel initiatives, including Intel Liftoff for Startups and the Intel Skills for Innovation Program.
Fulfilling potential in the right way
AI’s potential for Africa is boundless, and, as noted at the recent Global AI Summit on Africa, is currently estimated to add around $2,9-trillion to the African economy over the next five years. However, while AI has undeniable potential to generate positive change globally, it is widely recognised that it must be developed and applied responsibly.
Given its enormous power, without responsible development and a rigorous, structured approach it can also be used destructively, for example propagating bias and expanding cyberthreats at large scale.
To ensure that digitalisation and AI are positive forces, Intel has aligned its programs with its corporate responsibility strategy. Digital Readiness programs are a key piece of our goals – ensuring that we bring AI skills to all audiences regardless of background and enable a better world through the power of technology.
Rising to the Challenge
Admittedly, building digital readiness is an ambitious undertaking, and therefore not without its challenges. As is often the case with projects of this magnitude, collaboration is essential. Intel is no stranger to collaborative partnerships. Last year, we signed a partnership agreement with the African Development Bank, enabling us to aim to train 3-million Africans and 30,000 government officials on AI skills in the coming few years.
Digital readiness is an African imperative, and certainly, for any country, it can seem like a daunting undertaking. Moving into an AI era is akin to the monumental shift from the Industrial Age into the Information Age (also called the fourth Industrial Revolution).
According to research by Boston Consulting Group, the majority of economies in the world have a way to go before they are fully ready for AI.
However, what may not be recognised is that it is entirely achievable. By leveraging public-private partnerships, economies can prepare themselves for the rapidly evolving digital economy and build AI-ready states.
Intel already has a solution that countries across Africa can adapt to their own environment and avail themselves of the company’s support. Intel stands ready to collaborate and, where needed, offer advice as countries embark on their digital transformation journey and ready themselves for an AI-infused, more prosperous future.