A software that automatizes the diagnosis of diseases of patients is created. It works by sharing the information of a patient’s pathology to other users as to track the spread of diseases. The software is available in most Western and Asian languages.
The success of the software is immediate; however, the software has little success in Africa.
In fact, Africa is faced with more challenges in accessing to AI technologies than others. The first problem is that more than 2000 languages are spoken on the continent and fluency in Western languages is not always guaranteed. Also, coming from African countries the researchers have to apply for VISAS before travelling. Yet, some of them have their demand refused and therefore cannot travel to the countries where conferences take place. This has direct consequence on the development of AI as it is crucial to have diverse opinions and imputes on the evolution of AI and guide it in the right path.
More visas are given to African researches and some African hospitals and practitioners manage to access the software but with little effect.
When an AI system proves to be efficient and game changer for society, it is important to give access to it as much as possible. This begins by giving access to researches to the resources need, including attending conferences and working with others. Furth more, when the aim of the technology is to be widespread, all the specifics of the continents and countries, such as languages, finance and accessibility have to anticipated.
How could this situation have been avoided in the first place?
Here are our recommendations per stakeholder:
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Developers are encouraged in making their platforms the more accessible possible to all users. They are also pushed to keep on sharing their discoveries and knowledge so that more progress can be made in AI.
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Governments are asked to lighten the visa procedure for researchers so that they can easily attend conferences on AI.
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International and regional organizations push leaders in AI to set up research offices in Africa so that more discoveries and inputs can happen.
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Academia is required to develop university programs on AI as to attract more people in Africa.
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Private sector is encouraged in recruiting people from diverse origins as to diversify their employees, especially people who are less represented.
Responsibility and accountability & Safety and security & Fairness and non-discrimination & Multistakeholder and adaptative governance and collaboration & Ensuring diversity and inclusiveness & Living in harmony and peace
Know more about this case:
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“The push towards artificial intelligence in Africa”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48139212
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“The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Risks and Opportunities”, The Elephant, https://www.theelephant.info/ideas/2019/04/18/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-africa-risks-and-opportunities/