AI Ecosystem and Capabilities for Harnessing the Potential of AI in Africa: 3rd consultations

Dear Partners,
3rd Session: Consultations on the AU/AI Continental Strategy
Theme: AI Ecosystem and Capabilities for Harnessing the Potential of AI in Africa
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 23 2024 (3:00 – 4:45 PM East African Time)
Zoom link : zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpdeurpzIvGNHA9JjTWoVzO8mbNZTuHWoX
Moderator: Mr. Amr Safwat Chair of the AU Working Group on AI
Panellists:

* Ms. Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences,
* Prof. Joyce Nabende, Head, Makerere Artificial Intelligence Lab, Uganda
* Prof. Jerry Kponyo, Associate Professor of Telecommunication Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
* Mr. Eric Ndoumba, Senior Adviser, Minister of ICT of Republic of Congo
* Ms Balkissa Ide Siddo, Public Policy Director for Sub-Saharan Africa: META,
Core Questions

* What steps should Member States take to build the capacities of higher education to teach, research and innovate on AI and address the skills gap?
* What will the private sector’s role be in AI R&D and innovation? What lessons can we learn from the existing AI startup ecosystem?
* How can the basic education and TVET curriculum be improved to prepare the youth for AI?
* What strategies should be implemented to improve African infrastructure for AI (broadband networks, data centres, high-performance computers, etc.)?
* How can AU Member States improve the availability of AI-related data?

Lydia Gachungi

Regional Adviser on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

Addis Ababa Liaison Office to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa/
National Office for Ethiopia.
Niger Building, 1st Floor (ECA Compound)
PO Box 1177 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Office Tel: +251 115443786
Mobile No: +251 945505333/ + 254722803724
Email:.l.gachungi@unesco.org
en.unesco.org/fieldoffice/addisababa/
@LGachungi / @UNESCO_Addis

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