AI Transforming Education in Africa

In various parts of Africa, educational institutions are dealing with obsolete syllabi and deficiencies in essential skills. Specialists bel...

In various parts of Africa, educational institutions are dealing with obsolete syllabi and deficiencies in essential skills. Specialists believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and open up fresh prospects for young people across the continent. DW explores how African countries are adopting this transformation.

In the Chorkor area of Accra, young Ghanaians are experiencing computers for the first time. Within a simple digital laboratory, instructors employ advanced tools to educatedigital literacy— abilities that have the power to change lives.

Some students already have grand aspirations. "I have gained a lot of knowledge. I enjoy technology and everything related, but attending these classes has helped me acquire more understanding. It has been very motivating," said Emmanuel Dwamena Tenkorang, an IT student.

American social entrepreneur Patricia Wilkins is one of the individuals putting resources intoartificial intelligence (AI)education for disadvantaged young people inGhana. Her organization, Basics International, operates the Chorkor Digital Lab, which provides trainingdigital skills to young people.

"We introduced the program only a few months back, and we've already completed one group of students. We are currently conducting our second group, and we have nearly 100 students with three classes," Wilkins said to DW.Technologyis the future. This is where employment opportunities lie. This is where individuals can work from a distance.

A widespread movement towards AI in education

Across the continent of Africa, comparable efforts are becoming more widespread. On November 5, more than 1,500 education and technology professionals convened in Accra for the conference on AI and its influence oneducation.

The core idea: incorporating artificial intelligence into learning frameworks to inspire change andopening doors for youthfor creativity and long-term growth.

When discussing AI in education," noted Gideon Owusu Agyemang from the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT, "we refer to technological tools employed to address challenges within the educational setting, or technologies that can be utilized within educational systems to improve teaching and learning.

We currently possess intelligent tutoring systems that are supporting students in their studies," Agyemang mentioned. "Artificial intelligence will also enhance teaching and learning… the application of AI is expected to be prevalent across all educational environments.

Concerns and potential benefits of AI in African education

Although there is hope, some teachers—particularly those in colleges—still have doubts aboutAI's disruptive potential.

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the creator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund and a former Ghanaian education minister, stated to DW that although there are numerous benefits from technology and AI, Africa and its educational systems are still in the early stages and need to be aware of both the opportunities and risks.

I am sounding the alarm," Spio-Garbrah stated. "Ghana needs to awaken, Africa needs to awaken, and the world will have to wake up [because] many of us are in a state of slumber.

"Several educational institutions are inactive. We live in a bold new era where those who create machines are preparing to dominate the world," he added.

Spio-Garbrah stated that African educational institutions should also play an active role in training and preparing the continent to develop and manage its own artificial intelligence technologies.

Strategies influencing AI learning across Africa

To tackle worries and direct execution, specialists are urging for well-defined regulations.

"We require a policy regarding AI in education... if there is a clear and targeted policy on AI and education, it directs the dialogue and transitions us from mere discussion to implementation," said Deborah Asmah, CEO of Npontu Technologies, a company focused on AI.

Ghana has already begun moving in this direction, creating guidelines to directAIeducation and provide new possibilities for young people.

AI with African values

The communications minister of Ghana, Sam George, highlighted the significance of AI that is culturally appropriate.

Artificial intelligence benefits our population, embodies our principles, and propels our developmental objectives. We are open to partnerships, funding, and creativity, yet we also emphasize fairness, diversity, and acknowledgment of our digital independence.

The minister cautioned against outside control: "AI systems should not be developed for Africa by non-Africans, or it may turn into digital"colonization again."

AI for sustainable development

Phoebe Koundouri, an economics professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, views artificial intelligence as a driver of sustainable growth.

Artificial intelligence has significant potential to speed up the achievement of sustainable development goals through data-based decision-making, improving resource efficiency, and creating new solutions...

However, she also emphasized the need for caution: "The main point is to guarantee that AI is developed in a responsible and inclusive manner, shaped by ethical guidelines, human values, and fair access."

Schools throughout Africa are beginning to provide AI classes, and educational systems are progressing to incorporate advanced technologies.

Amir Dossal, a former deputy head of the United Nations, thinks Africa is ready to take the lead.

"In this worldwide competition, Africa is not just an observer; you are the ones driving change... Africa possesses the ability to shift the balance by skipping over obsolete systems and can redefine the guidelines of global AI," Dossal stated.

These are more than just dreams," he added. "This is the next reality for Africa... You can provide a plan that can motivate others.

Edited by: Keith Walker

 

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