From Promise to Progress: Making AI Work for Africa
Artificial Intelligence is poised to play a transformative role in Africa, given recent trends in developing and adopting solutions on the continent. We are witnessing AI applications tackling real-world problems like precision agriculture, disease diagnosis, and financial inclusion. For example, AI-powered tools are helping farmers optimize crop yields and predict weather patterns, while mobile banking apps with AI algorithms expand access to financial services in remote areas. These advancements highlight the immense potential of AI to leapfrog traditional development hurdles and empower African nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. However, significant challenges remain. Limited access to data infrastructure, the digital divide, and the need for ethical frameworks to guide development are some hurdles that must be addressed.
Savannah Digital Research Institute (SDRI)SDRI is a nonprofit research institution dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence to benefit Sub-Saharan Africa. We seek to establish research and development programs to identify and address challenges hindering the full realization of AI’s potential for socio-economic growth in Africa. SDRI is a registered nonprofit organization in California with the Secretary of State (file number 6263010).
The Call SDRI invites African researchers and practitioners to contribute chapters to the edited book “From Promise to Progress: Making AI Work for Africa”.– Objectives: The proposed publication seeks to (i) document the state of the art in AI solutions development and utilization in Africa and (ii) identify potential areas for research and development in AI in Africa.
– Thematic Areas: Healthcare
Agriculture
Education
Financial Inclusion
Environmental Conservation
Governance & Public Services – Geographical and time focus: The chapters are expected to provide a continental or regional perspective on the thematic area selected, with examples and case studies from the last five years. – Collaboration: Authors and practitioners are encouraged to collaborate across borders and disciplines. This will serve to enrich the quality of the book chapter.
