Experts call for AI regulation in Africa
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Experts are calling for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa to help improve healthcare and address socio-economic challenges.
At a recent panel discussion during the Africa Tech Week Conference in Cape Town, the experts emphasized the importance of AI regulation and its role in application and development.
They highlighted how AI technologies can lead to economic growth through innovation and creativity in Africa. They further noted that the regulation of the application of AI is necessary for industries to derive real value from emerging technology.
“Think of the generative AI model in the hands of a clinical professional. Giving the machine problem-solving skills will help accelerate the provision of clinical expertise for a patient. This is one of many points made by experts to show how this new tech can help Africa reach its full potential,” said Microsoft Data and AI Director Ayanda Ngcebetsha.
Lavina Ramkissoon, an AI ethics and technology policy expert at the African Union, also pointed out that a limited level of bias in the AI machine is not a problem since perfection is impossible to achieve.
However, Keneilwe Gwabeni, CIO of Telkom consumer and small business, said the South African government has to invest more in regulating AI.
“Government, the private sector, and citizens must work together to make AI work for us. We have to make sure we are active players and collaborate and drive African stories and experiences into the technology that we build,” Gwabeni added.
South Africa’s Information Regulator is currently holding internal discussions on approaching the regulation of ChatGPT and other AI technologies to ensure they do not violate data privacy laws.
