How African knowledge and wisdom can inspire the development and governance of AI | WSIS+20
The session aimed to explore the integration of African cultural philosophies, such as Ubuntu, into AI governance to promote inclusivity, ethical standards, and community-centric development.
Ubuntu philosophy in AI
A foundational concept for AI governance is Ubuntu, a core African philosophy emphasising interconnectedness and mutual care, the session highlighted. The panel discussed how promoting collectivism over individualism and incorporating principles of empathy, generosity, and community can lead to AI systems designed to benefit entire communities. This approach emphasises transparency, accountability, and community consent in AI development and deployment, aiming to ensure that AI systems align with societal values and human ethics.
Collective wisdom and ethical frameworks
The session emphasised the importance of collective wisdom and ethical frameworks rooted in African traditions. By integrating these principles, AI governance can prioritise social cohesion and collective well-being, focusing on ethical considerations that balance innovation with societal norms. The African ethical foundation, which balances individual rights with community responsibilities, can guide the creation of fair and inclusive AI systems.
Challenges and opportunities in African AI development
One major challenge discussed was the underrepresentation of African knowledge in global AI data sets. The panel noted that only 5% of African content on Wikipedia is written by Africans, highlighting a significant gap in the global knowledge repository. This lack of representation can lead to biased AI systems that do not accurately reflect African realities. The need for Africans to contribute their own data and narratives was emphasised to ensure that AI systems are inclusive and representative.
The panellists stressed the importance of creating and maintaining Indigenous content. Linda Aipinge pointed out the need for Africans to organise and ensure their stories and cultural knowledge are accurately represented and preserved. This involves leveraging traditional ecological knowledge, local agricultural practices, and health practices to inform AI development, thus supporting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Practical steps towards inclusivity
The critical role of education in empowering Africans to be on the production side of AI technologies was highlighted. By fostering education and skills in computer science and information systems, Africans can contribute to developing AI that respects and incorporates their cultural values and perspectives. This proactive approach is essential to decolonise AI systems and ensure they are fair and effective globally.
African oral traditions and storytelling were recognised as powerful means of transmitting knowledge and cultural values. Integrating these traditions into AI development can improve natural language processing and create systems that better understand and interact with human emotions and cultural contexts. This approach ensures that AI technologies are more aligned with African cultural diversity and holistic views on knowledge.
A call to action for Africans
The session concluded with a call to action for Africans to actively contribute to the global AI landscape by creating and maintaining their own content, leveraging indigenous knowledge, and embedding cultural values in AI systems. By embracing Ubuntu and other African philosophies, the global community can develop more ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible AI governance frameworks that reflect the diversity of human values and experiences. The panellists emphasised the importance of education, representation, and proactive engagement in shaping the future of AI in a way that benefits all communities.
Read the session report in full, below:
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