Speaking on Africa’s needs in terms of AI and digital transformation, within the framework of the High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence, which is being held until Wednesday, Mr. Jelassi indicated that Africa’s needs are multiple, particularly in terms of the needs for quality infrastructure, computing capacity, reliable internet connectivity, data centers and continuous power supply.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of training a skilled workforce to develop and implement AI solutions, especially since the youngest population is in Africa, further calling for the establishment of regulatory frameworks and support policies that promote innovation, while ensuring an ethical and responsible approach.
Similarly, Mr. Jelassi advocated data governance through the establishment of data protection laws, particularly in the face of several risks imposed by the use of AI, including fairness, misinformation, responsibility for the protection of private data, in addition to worrying trends in terms of gender-related language patterns, where women are often described as having a domestic role.
On governance, he considered that a single approach is not suitable for every country, hence the need to combine several approaches to regulate this technology, through the adhesion of all stakeholders for a global and local approach and an international regulatory governance framework.
Furthermore, he noted that a recent global survey found that 66% of respondents believe AI will significantly affect their lives in the next 3-5 years, with 52% of people expressing some apprehension about AI systems.
When it comes to AI investment, the study reported a 13% increase in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching $25 billion invested in generative AI.
In the same vein, he highlighted the increased adoption of AI by companies, with 55% of them using it in business activities, and 82% reporting cost reduction thanks to AI.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this three-day high-level Forum is initiated by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) through its International Center for Artificial Intelligence of Morocco “AI Movement”, in partnership with UNESCO, and brings together world leaders, technology experts, policy makers and representatives of civil society to discuss the latest advances in AI in Morocco and the rest of Africa.
2024-09-16 22:26:17