The launching ceremony of the Initiative for the Development of Artificial Intelligence (IDIA) in Francophone Africa took place in December at the Espace Numérique Ouvert (ENO) in Dakar. The Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR), the Centre Universitaire de Recherche et de Formation aux Technologies de l’Internet (CURI-UCAD), and the Université Virtuelle du Sénégal (UVS) were present and will cooperate in this AI research project.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in French-speaking Africa is at a precarious stage and little exploited. Its development is part of a very contrasted dynamic, yet it has an essential role to play in improving the efficiency of processes and the quality of decision-making. Institutions such as AFRIA (Agence Francophone pour l’Intelligence Artificielle) are working on the implementation of public policies for AI research and training, to boost digital and AI transformation capacities in Africa. However, not all governments are committed to this approach, far from it.

The Initiative for the Development of Artificial Intelligence (IDIA) is a research project that aims to address the lack of data and evidence on AI in Francophone Africa and the adoption of responsible AI. Studies conducted by ENO, IPAR, CURI-ICAD and UVS will inform regional and national policies and strategies. These institutes will network, complement each other and make recommendations on the use of responsible AI that respects human rights, ethics and equity in areas such as health, education, agriculture, security…

Niyel, a Dakar-based company that designs, implements, and evaluates advocacy campaigns to change policies, behaviors, and practices, will support the researchers in using the results to influence the implementation of AI-friendly policies.

During this ceremony, the presence of technicians in charge of the Digital Economy and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation proves the commitment of some policy makers. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Telecommunications has begun the process of developing a national AI strategy in Senegal and will involve all stakeholders. This project is supported by the Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (IAPD Africa) program, a joint investment by IDRC and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) that focuses on three main pillars: building capacity and amplifying AI talent and communities in Africa, supporting rights and inclusion through the development of accountable AI policy, and advancing AI innovation networks to address development challenges in Africa.

Translated from Afrique : lancement de l’Initiative pour le Développement de l’Intelligence Artificielle dans les pays d’Afrique francophone