“Africa’s AI Revolution: Liberating the Continent from Data Colonization”

Story by Fada Amakye

Dr. Dr. David King Boison, AI Strategist and Lead of the Africa AI Project, has called for Africans to take control of their own AI destiny, warning against the dangers of “data colonization” and the need for a new, African-centric approach to AI development.

Speaking at a recent event, Dr. Dr. Boison emphasized the importance of developing AI solutions that are tailored to Africa’s unique needs and context, rather than simply importing Western-developed AI models. “We are using Western-imported AI models, but we are not building our own,” he said. “We need to change the narrative and make sure we are served.”

To address this challenge, Dr. Dr. Boison and his team have developed the Visionary Prompt Framework, which aims to reduce biases in AI models and promote African sovereignty. “We have changed the DNA of the AI,” he said. “We have changed the algorithm.”

Dr. Dr. Boison also highlighted the need for Africa to develop its own economic indicators, rather than relying on Western models. “Why do we measure GDP without considering our mineral resources?” he asked. “We need to have our own basket to measure what we are doing so.”

The Africa AI Project, which Dr. Dr. Boison leads, is working to promote AI development in Africa and to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably across the continent. “This is our time, the AI is the time of Africa,” he said. “We have access to all the data and any model or algorithm that we want to build to liberate us.”