Role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping Zimbabwe’s landscape

Bridget Chipungu-Chimbga

LATE last year, I attended two events in Johannesburg, South Africa.

These gatherings not only opened my eyes to the diverse landscapes of technological innovation, but also led me to a revelation about the prevailing discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) in the region.

The first event was the AI Expo, a dynamic congregation of tech enthusiasts, industry leaders and innovators.

Amid the buzz of cutting-edge demonstrations and futuristic prototypes, I had the pleasure of meeting my tech-crazy friend, John Tseriwa, who has been a regular columnist here.

We delved into conversations about the latest advancements in AI, sharing insights and exchanging ideas on the emerging socio-technological large language models such as GPT-4, Bard and LLaMA, and their potential to dramatically change the way society will be doing things in the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution era.

He invited me to share some insights, as I will be doing in the coming weeks, on some of the technological, sociological and ethical questions arising from the AI techno boom we are currently seeing around the globe.

Going back to the AI Expo mentioned earlier, I was struck the most by the significant presence of Zimbabweans spearheading AI start-ups and contributing to ground-breaking research in the field.

It was a testament to the untapped potential within the African continent, particularly in the realm of AI.

This realisation was further emphasised when I transitioned to the second function, an academic conference.

As I immersed myself in the academic discussions surrounding AI, I could not help but notice the stark contrast between the narratives within these specialised spaces and the general discourse in everyday conversations.

Despite the notable accomplishments of Zimbabwean professionals in AI, there seemed to be a disconnect in the broader understanding, appreciation and deployment of these technologies among the public.

This glaring gap in awareness prompted a reflection on the importance of initiating more conversations about AI.

It became evident that, while the technology was thriving within specific socio-tech circles, there was a critical need to bridge the knowledge divide.

It is not just about celebrating the achievements but also fostering a collective understanding of AI’s implications in our daily lives.

Dubbed the “new electricity” by technologists, AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a societal transformation that requires the participation and comprehension of everyone.

Zimbabwe has a unique opportunity to position itself as a regional leader in technological innovation.

With a rich pool of talent, a spirit of innovation and a commitment to inclusive development, Zimbabwe can become a hub for AI research and development.

Moreover, fostering international collaborations and partnerships will enable Zimbabwe to leverage on global expertise and resources, propelling the nation to the forefront of the global AI landscape.

As the nation navigates the complexities of AI adoption, it must continue to prioritise inclusivity, ethical considerations and education.

The journey ahead is challenging, but as Zimbabweans have shown throughout history, challenges are opportunities in disguise.

With AI at the forefront, Zimbabwe is poised to shape its destiny in the global technological landscape, contributing to the advancement of humanity.

Through this column, I will be taking the reader on a journey of exploration, understanding and appreciation of AI.

Let us embark together on this transformative adventure, shedding light on the vast potential that AI holds and the need to get everyone on board in this revolutionary journey.

The column will be an interactive platform where we not only explore the theoretical aspects of AI, but also bring the practical applications to the forefront.

Whether you are curious about the ethical implications of AI, its impact on specific industries or simply seeking to understand the basics, we will be available to provide clear and informative answers.

The goal is to demystify AI, making it more accessible and comprehensible for everyone.

 

 Bridget Chipungu-Chimbga is an AI lead researcher at AI-RISE and a telecom engineer, passionate about the intersection of technology and society. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn @BridgetChimbga or via email at [email protected] or by phone on +263772566664.