By Johan Steyn, 26 September 2024
Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/life/books/2024-09-26-why-africa-needs-to-carve-its-own-ai-path/
Mark Nasila’s book, African Artificial Intelligence: Discovering Africa’s AI Identity, serves as both a reflection on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and a call for Africa to shape its technological future.
In an interview, Nasila revealed his motivations for writing the book, focusing on the urgent need for Africa to not only adopt AI but also adapt it in ways that address the continent’s unique challenges.
“I looked at the impact of AI across the world,” Nasila explained. “When you critically assess it, its impact has massive implications for how countries will turn out, how industries will turn out. But when you also reflect on the African continent, we’re always falling behind. We’re always playing catch-up. We’re always waiting for other regions to lead with discovery, and then we become consumers of these products.”
This reflection was the driving force behind his decision to write the book. For Nasila, it wasn’t just about adding another technical manual to the growing body of AI literature. It was about making AI accessible and relevant to everyday people, particularly in Africa, so that the continent is not left behind in this rapidly advancing technological landscape. He highlighted: “Succeeding with AI is very difficult. Mature countries, like the US and China, are still struggling to get it right. If we don’t get it right, we’re likely to face a very undesired future.”
Nasila’s approach to AI is refreshingly practical. His book presents AI as a milestone on par with the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel. He believes that if Africa does not navigate this technological shift effectively, the consequences could be dire. Therefore, the book is structured to be both informative and practical, covering foundational aspects of AI and strategies for leveraging it across different industries. This approach makes the book accessible to a broad audience, including AI enthusiasts, business leaders, and policymakers.
The author’s African lens is particularly crucial. “For us to make AI a value conversation for Africa, we need to speak to the opportunities, the challenges we’re facing, the opportunities that form a priority for AI, like in the energy sector, the opportunities in the health sector, the opportunities in education,” he writes.
His perspective is clear: Africa cannot afford to approach AI the same way as other regions like America or China. The continent must carve out its own path, treating data as a valuable resource akin to gold or platinum.
“For Africa to drive industrialisation, it needs to look at data as a resource and create policies and strategies so that we can have AI factories to process this data and create services and products needed across the world,” Nasila emphasises. This approach, he argues, will not only position Africa globally but also ensure that the continent reaps the full benefits of AI. The vision is clear: Africa’s development must be driven by its own needs and aspirations rather than relying on imported solutions.
One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of AI’s potential across various sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to finance and education. Nasila provides numerous case studies and real-world examples illustrating how AI can solve specific African challenges.
Nasila’s expertise shines in his discussion of AI’s impact on financial inclusion. As the chief data and analytics officer at First National Bank Risk, he has been at the forefront of using AI to transform the bank’s risk management function. These innovations have not only provided a competitive edge but also demonstrated the impact of locally developed AI solutions. “We mustn’t just think it’s another algorithm or something usual. We’re engaging with vendors, but there are bigger implications,” he cautions.
However, Nasila is keenly aware that AI’s rise also brings challenges. The ethical and societal implications of AI are central to his narrative as he advocates for a balanced and proactive approach to integration. He emphasises the need for ethical frameworks and policies to ensure AI benefits are equitably distributed. Concerns about job displacement and the digital divide are also discussed, with Nasila urging stakeholders to address these challenges proactively to ensure inclusive growth.
A recurring theme in the book is the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering innovation within Africa. Nasila argues that Africa cannot rely solely on imported AI solutions. Instead, developing home-grown expertise and tailoring AI technologies to meet local needs is crucial. His role as a mentor to emerging talent is highlighted, underscoring his commitment to building a robust AI ecosystem in Africa. “We need to create services and products needed across the world,” he emphasises, “and that requires humanising AI and making it relatable to everyone.”
The process of publishing the book was surprisingly smooth for Nasila. “I was very lucky. It was my second attempt, and the publishers straight away [agreed] to publish my book,” he recalled. The key, he believes, was making the book relatable. “It’s not a technical book. We have enough technical books on AI, but I put together a book that humanises AI and makes it relatable for every everyday person. That made it easy when I sent the outline to the publisher.”
The reception of the book has exceeded Nasila’s expectations. The launch event at Exclusive Books in Hyde Park was sold out within two days, with more than 600 people attending. Additionally, a live stream of the event attracted 10,000 viewers online. Such enthusiastic engagement speaks to the book’s relevance and resonance, not only in SA but globally. Nasila shared, “It’s amazing how you can influence and touch people.”
The cover of the book, featuring a striking image of a human face intertwined with AI elements, is a metaphor for Nasila’s vision. “It’s more to link the identity of the person to the technology, and to say, at the end of the day, the future is more of we still need to be human, even though we’re talking about technology,” he explained. This blend of human and technological underscores the book’s message: AI must be shaped by human intelligence and creativity if it is to serve humanity effectively.
African Artificial Intelligence: Discovering Africa's AI Identity is not just a book; it’s a blueprint for how Africa can navigate and thrive in the AI era. Through practical insights, ethical considerations, and a visionary outlook, Nasila offers a path forward for African nations to harness AI’s potential while maintaining their unique identity and sovereignty.
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