Capacity development

Examiners fooled as AI students outperform real students in the UK

In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS One, the University of Reading has unveiled startling findings from a real-world Turing test involving AI in university exams, raising profound implications for education.

The study, led by the university’s tech team, involved 33 fictitious student profiles using OpenAI’s GPT-4 to complete psychology assignments and exams online. Astonishingly, 94% of AI-generated submissions went undetected by examiners, outperforming their human counterparts by achieving higher grades on average.

Associate Professor Peter Scarfe, a co-author of the study, emphasised the urgent need for educational institutions to address the impact of AI on academic integrity. He highlighted a recent UNESCO survey revealing minimal global preparation for the use of generative AI in education, calling for a reassessment of assessment practices worldwide.

Professor Etienne Roesch, another co-author, underscored the importance of establishing clear guidelines on AI usage to maintain trust in educational assessments and beyond. She stressed the responsibility of both creators and consumers of information to uphold academic integrity amid AI advancements.

The study also pointed to ongoing challenges for educators in combating AI-driven academic misconduct, even as tools like Turnitin adapt to detect AI-authored work. Despite these challenges, educators like Professor Elizabeth McCrum, the University of Reading’s pro-vice chancellor of education, advocate for embracing AI as a tool for enhancing student learning and employability skills.

Looking ahead, Professor McCrum expressed confidence in the university’s proactive stance in integrating AI responsibly into educational practices, preparing students for a future shaped by rapid technological change.

Why does it matter?

The IATSE’s tentative agreement represents a significant step forward in securing fair wages and job protections for Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes workers, ensuring that the rapid advancements in technology do not come at the expense of human employment.

Helsing in talks for $500 million funding, poised to become Europe’s top AI defence startup

European defence technology startup Helsing is currently in negotiations to secure nearly $500 million from investors in Silicon Valley, including Accel and Lightspeed Venture Partners, amounting to $4.5 billion. This valuation marks a significant increase, tripling the company’s value in less than a year, possibly driven by heightened global conflicts which in turn are prompting a surge in private investments within the military supply sector.

Specialising in AI-based software for defence, Helsing was established in 2021 and works with AI to analyse extensive data from sensors and weapons systems, providing real-time battlefield intelligence to assist military decision-making processes. The company’s software is also contributing to the advancement of AI capabilities for drones in Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Accel and Lightspeed will be new investors in Helsing, potentially joined by General Catalyst, a previous investor in the company. If finalised, this deal would position Helsing as one of Europe’s most valued artificial intelligence startups in terms of worth, at par with Paris-based Mistral, an AI startup that recently secured €600 million at a valuation nearing €6 billion. The reluctance of venture investors to engage with defence tech firms has notably shifted, particularly in the US and Europe, driven by escalating tensions between major powers and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to increased defence expenditure by nations.

NATO’s recent allocation of its €1 billion ‘innovation fund’ towards European tech firms points towards a notable shift, with Europe rapidly closing the investment gap in defence and dual-use technologies as compared to the US. The evolving landscape of modern warfare, as is the case in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasises the transition towards software-defined technologies over traditional hardware, enabling military forces to enhance strategic capabilities.

Why does it matter?

Helsing has forged partnerships with established defence contractors in Europe, such as Germany’s Rheinmetall and Sweden’s Saab, to integrate AI into existing platforms like fighter jets. Collaborating with Airbus, the startup is also developing AI technologies for application in both manned and unmanned systems.

African ministers endorse AI strategy for digital growth

African ICT and Communications Ministers have collectively endorsed the ‘Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact’ to accelerate the continent’s digital evolution by harnessing the potential of new digital technologies. The decision came during the 2nd Extraordinary Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT session, attended by over 130 African ministers and experts. The aim is to drive digital transformation amidst rapid advancements fueled by AI technology and applications.

The Continental AI Strategy aims to guide African nations in utilising AI to fulfil development goals while ensuring ethical use, mitigating risks, and capitalising on opportunities. It emphasises an Africa-owned, people-centred, and inclusive approach to enhance the continent’s AI capabilities across infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships while prioritising safeguards against potential threats.

African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, highlighted AI’s significant opportunities for positive transformation, economic growth, and social progress in Africa. The strategy underscores the importance of AI-enabled systems in fostering homegrown solutions, driving economic growth, and sustainable development, aligning with the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leaders stressed the need for collective efforts to leverage AI to advance Africa’s digital agenda and achieve long-term developmental objectives.

NATO to upgrade defence capabilities with cutting-edge technologies

In a bid to innovate in the area of defence, with the aim to replace the now old-school armoury, selected tech companies have received funds to begin work on upgrading key components of NATO’s defence system. Recipients include the British-based Fractile and German ARX Robotics, as well as a computer chip manufacturer and a robot designer.

Others include startups such as iCOMAT and Space Forge, which are companies that operate in the manufacturing space arena. This signals the first outlay of the €1.1 billion NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which is slated to increase given partnerships with venture capitalists like Space Ventures, Squared Ventures, OTB Ventures and Join Capital. The project seeks access to key technologies to ensure a safe and secure future on the European continent.

Silicon Valley leaders discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation

In Silicon Valley, leaders from the US Chamber, African business communities, and the governments of the US and Côte d’Ivoire gathered to discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation. The event, which included visits to Google’s headquarters, explored opportunities for public-private collaboration and tech investment in West Africa, aiming to bridge Africa’s digital divide and foster growth for US and Ivorian businesses.

The conference emphasised the potential for US businesses to expand into Côte d’Ivoire, increase exports, and invest in the country, showcasing digital tools to help understand Africa’s market landscapes. The Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization’s National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025, focusing on innovation and digital trust, was a central topic. Projects like Cybastion’s national data centre and smart city centre are key components of this strategy.

Prominent speakers included Dr Eugene Aka Aoule of Côte d’Ivoire, US Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, and Google’s Charles Murito. They highlighted initiatives like Google’s Grow with Google Program, aiming to equip businesses with digital tools. The US-Africa Business Center Vice President, Dr Guevera Yao, led a Q&A on economic development through digital transformation.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Acceleration Zero Paper 2030 plan aims to leverage $600 million in investments to enhance e-government services, digital infrastructure, and broadband access. This commitment to digital transformation is echoed across the continent, with significant digital deals recently signed at the US-Kenya Business Forum, reinforcing the ongoing support for Africa’s digital growth.

Kazakhstan set to become regional digital hub with 5G rollout

Kazakhstan’s mobile operators plan to improve 5G coverage in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and other regional centres to fully roll out 5G mobile communications by the end of 2025. This was stated by the Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev, during a government meeting on 18 June chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

The Prime Minister’s press service mentioned that 1,144 base stations have been set up in 20 cities. It is projected that by the end of 2027, more than 450 billion tenge (equivalent to USD994.3 million) will be invested by mobile network providers in the telecommunications industry. Madiyev pointed out that internet usage in Kazakhstan is quickly approaching that of developed nations.

Compared to 2020, internet traffic has surged by 61.5%, while users have increased by 12.9%. Based on Ookla’s Speedtest data from April 2024, Kazakhstan ranks 66th globally in average internet speed, registering 43.6 megabits per second, outpacing countries like Russia, the Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Senegal unveils strategy for strong digital infrastructure development

Isidore Diouf, the newly appointed Director General of Senegal Numérique SA, has pledged to prioritise the development of robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) as he takes office. Diouf aims to build on the progress made by his predecessor, Cheikh Bakhoum, to realise President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s vision of rapid digital transformation for Senegal. President Faye, who emphasised digital transformation during his campaign, has instructed his government to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure to achieve digital sovereignty.

Diouf’s agenda includes expanding Senegal’s digital economy to increase its contribution to the national GDP from the current 3.3 percent to 10 percent by 2025, as outlined in the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025. He plans to address low internet coverage, which is currently around 46 percent, and improve collaboration among government information systems. Additionally, Diouf will work on finalising the legal framework for personal data protection, digitising government services, and developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, Senegal Numérique recently partnered with the African Digital Development Agency (ADD) to share best practices and enhance the interoperability of government systems. That partnership aligns with Senegal’s national digital ID program, which was launched in 2022 and is a key component of the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025, which the UNDP supports. The program aims to modernise Senegal’s economy through technology, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital innovation in West Africa.

Amazon and Vrio challenge Starlink with South American satellite internet

Amazon and telecommunications firm Vrio are set to launch a satellite internet service in seven South American countries, directly competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Vrio, which oversees DirecTV Latin America and Sky Brasil, will offer the service in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The initiative, utilising Amazon’s Project Kuiper, aims to provide internet access via satellites in low Earth orbit.

According to World Bank data, the partnership addresses a significant demand, as an estimated 200 million people in the region have inadequate or no internet access. The challenging geography and the high cost of large infrastructure investments further highlight the need for satellite internet. The service is scheduled to go live in mid-2025, beginning in Argentina.

Project Kuiper plans to deploy 3,236 satellites to support this endeavour, part of Amazon’s $10 billion investment announced in 2019. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all customers, regardless of their location in urban, suburban, or rural areas, have equal access to high-speed broadband.

Google’s investment in Singapore’s tech infrastructure hits $5 billion mark

Alphabet’s Google announced the completion of its data centre and cloud facilities expansion in Singapore, marking a total investment of $5 billion in the nation’s technical infrastructure. This substantial investment underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing its services in Southeast Asia. The expanded data centres, which employ over 500 people, are crucial for powering essential services like Google Search and Maps.

In addition to its efforts in Singapore, Google revealed plans last week to invest $2 billion in Malaysia to establish its first data centre in the country. The expansion into Malaysia signifies Google’s broader strategy to bolster its presence and capabilities across Southeast Asia, aiming to support the growing demand for digital services and infrastructure.

Zambia finalizes AI policy to boost copper production

The Zambian government has completed drafting a comprehensive AI policy aimed at leveraging modern technologies for the country’s development. Felix Mutati, the minister of science and technology, announced that the AI plan will be officially launched within the next two months. The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards achieving Zambia’s ambitious goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually, utilising AI to enhance mineral exploration and production processes.

Copper, the cornerstone of Zambia’s economy, stands to benefit significantly from AI integration. Mutati highlighted that AI could expedite mineral exploration and create new job opportunities, thus bringing substantial economic benefits. Speaking at the Copperbelt Agricultural Mining and Industrial Networking Enterprise in Kitwe, he emphasised that AI is essential for the country’s future growth and development.

Zambia will host an AI Conference next month to prepare for an AI-driven future. The event aims to engage stakeholders and prepare the nation for the transformative impact of AI. Larry Mweetwa, the acting director for science and technology, mentioned that the government is already training its workforce in AI and will soon begin discussions with industry players to ensure effective implementation and maximum benefit from the new technology.