Empowering Africa: Grassroots AI Movement Shapes Future Amidst Challenges and Collaboration

In the heart of South Africa, where universities are scarce, racial disparities persist, and economic challenges prevail, a burgeoning community of AI enthusiasts is reshaping the landscape. Spearheading this movement is the University of Johannesburg, which recently hosted the 2023 Southern African Conference for Artificial Intelligence Research. The conference, centered on human-centered AI, took place against the backdrop of the Gauteng Province’s red-dirt landscape, teeming with wildlife and rich human ancestral history.

Avishkar Bhoopchand, a South African research engineer at Google DeepMind in London, noted the unique dynamics propelling AI in Africa. While big tech dominates North America and government policies steer AI in Europe, Africa is witnessing a surge driven by what locals term “grassroots AI.” This movement, characterized by a diverse network of students, professors, researchers, industry practitioners, and enthusiasts, has organically evolved to address the challenges faced by the continent.

Vukosi Marivate, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Pretoria, emphasized the need for agility in the face of geopolitical realities, advocating for a sprint rather than a walk. With too few universities, historical racial inequities, and a growing population of low-income students, the grassroots AI movement fills crucial gaps, outpacing traditional institutions.

In the context of South Africa’s higher education landscape, where universities are limited, and racial disparities persist due to historical legacies, grassroots AI becomes a vital support system. The movement transcends borders, with individuals and institutions collaborating to accelerate AI research in Africa. Marivate’s vision extends beyond academic boundaries, creating a mental map that overlays the continent with resources and expertise to support AI students.

What began as a grassroots effort is now attracting global attention from tech giants like Google, Apple, and OpenAI. The challenge, however, lies in ensuring that African AI researchers transition from being mere observers to active contributors and shapers of technological advances. The current juncture, despite its challenges, holds immense promise for the future.

South Africa’s higher education challenges extend beyond limited seats, touching upon racial disparities ingrained in the system. Only 8 percent of South Africans aged 25 to 64 hold bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, reflecting the difficulties in accessing higher education. Additionally, historical inequities in education persist, with certain schools lacking the necessary resources to prepare students adequately.

Educational opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa face limitations, with insufficient computing curricula and unreliable infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, African AI enthusiasts are eager to participate in the global AI boom. However, the preference of companies like Google DeepMind for university graduates poses a challenge for those without degrees, even if they possess excellent coding skills.

Grassroots AI Movement:

The grassroots AI movement becomes a lifeline for aspiring AI researchers, offering support beyond institutional constraints. Marivate’s concept of a mental map underscores the importance of networking and collaboration across the continent. The movement’s impact reaches beyond academic pursuits, providing a bubble for computer science students to focus on their research without undue obstacles.

Deep Learning Indaba:

The Deep Learning Indaba, an annual conference initiated less than a decade ago, has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among African AI researchers. Starting with a few attendees, the conference has grown into a significant gathering, engaging over 3,000 participants annually. Despite some challenges faced by grassroots gatherings, Indaba has been instrumental in putting African AI on the global map.

Future Prospects and Funding:

Foreign investments, such as the UK’s £80 million and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s $30 million, signal a recognition of Africa’s AI potential. However, Marivate urges Africans to “think bigger—much bigger” and take ownership of their AI path. The continent’s burgeoning population, coupled with a lag in AI readiness, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The call is clear: Africans must build AI research capacity rapidly while shaping the trajectory of their AI development.

In the midst of South Africa’s diverse wildlife, the collaborative spirit among African AI researchers mirrors the symbiotic relationships observed in nature. Wildebeests and zebras collaborate to thrive in their ecosystem, and similarly, Africans are called upon to collaborate and be counted in the global AI race. The road ahead may be challenging, but the grassroots AI movement, with its resilience and collaborative ethos, is steering Africa toward a future where it actively contributes to the unfolding AI narrative.

Conclusion: The grassroots AI movement and initiatives like the Deep Learning Indaba underscore Africa’s determination to actively participate in the global AI landscape. While challenges persist, the collaborative spirit and community-driven approach demonstrate the potential for African researchers to make significant contributions to AI development, both locally and internationally.