Harnessing AI responsibly vital for development

Bridget Chipungu-Chimbga

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) is rapidly transforming every facet of our lives, holding immense potential to revolutionise healthcare, agriculture, education and countless other sectors.

At the heart of this technological evolution, the need for responsible AI development and deployment becomes paramount.

This is particularly true for countries like Zimbabwe, where harnessing AI responsibly can offer significant societal and economic benefits, while neglecting its ethical considerations could lead to unintended consequences.

Before delving into the complexities of responsible AI, it is vital to grasp what the technology encompasses.

Simply put, AI refers to the ability of machines to mimic human cognitive functions, such as learning, problem solving and decision-making.

This can manifest in various forms, from chatbots providing customer service to facial recognition systems used in security applications.

The transformative potential of AI is immense, with promises of increased efficiency, productivity and innovation.

However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it is imperative to comprehend the ethical considerations and potential consequences associated with AI implementation.

While building sophisticated algorithms for the technology is impressive, responsible AI goes beyond that. It is a comprehensive approach that emphasises ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle, from its creation to its use.

This means ensuring AI systems are transparent, fair, secure, accountable and safe, ultimately fostering trust and minimising potential harm to society.

As Zimbabwe integrates AI into its socio-economic fabric, it is crucial for all stakeholders — Government bodies, businesses, the academia and citizens — to actively engage in the responsible AI discourse.

Embracing responsible AI presents a unique opportunity to address these issues effectively through enhanced healthcare delivery and revolutionising education, as well as boosting agricultural productivity, where AI algorithms can analyse weather patterns, soil conditions and crop health, enabling farmers to optimise resource utilisation and increase agricultural yields.

Advocating responsible AI in Zimbabwe is not merely a moral imperative but also a strategic decision for sustainable development.

Failure to adhere to ethical AI practices can lead to severe consequences, including biases in decision-making algorithms, erosion of privacy and exacerbation of social inequalities.

In a country like Zimbabwe, where digital infrastructure is rapidly expanding, the risks associated with irresponsible AI implementation can have profound effects on vulnerable communities.

The implications of neglecting responsible AI are far-reaching.

Biased algorithms, for instance, can perpetuate existing inequalities and discrimination, reinforcing social disparities rather than mitigating them. In the healthcare sector, if AI systems are not developed responsibly, they may exacerbate health disparities and compromise patient privacy, potentially leading to discriminatory healthcare outcomes.

Moreover, in a country where access to information and digital literacy levels vary, there is a risk of creating a digital divide that excludes certain segments of the population from the benefits of AI technologies.

This exclusion can further marginalise communities and hinder the overall progress of the country.

Among the key global initiatives in this regard are the UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of AI.

Adopted by 193 countries, including Zimbabwe, these recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for the ethical use of AI, emphasising human rights, transparency and the promotion of diversity and inclusion.

Zimbabwe’s commitment to these guidelines demonstrates the nation’s acknowledgment of the need to navigate the AI landscape with a responsible and ethical compass.

Furthermore, the Windhoek Statement on Artificial Intelligence in Southern Africa outlines region-specific considerations and guidelines for the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies.

As Zimbabwe aligns itself with these regional commitments, it signals a collective effort to foster a responsible AI ecosystem that caters for the unique socio-cultural and economic contexts of Southern Africa.

This path requires a collective effort from policymakers, developers, civil society organisations and the public at large.

By fostering a culture of responsible AI, Zimbabwe can ensure that the technology serves the needs of its citizens and contributes to a brighter future for all.

Bridget Chipungu-Chimbga is an AI lead researcher at AI-RISE and a telecommunications engineer passionate about the intersection of technology and society. Feel free to connect with her on: LinkedIn @BridgetChimbga or via email at: [email protected]