In our increasingly digital world, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably
pervasive, permeating every facet of our lives. As African governments look on to adopt
these technologies, they may fail to recognize an unsettling and insidious issue surfacing:
algorithmic apartheid. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in the African context, where
the implications of algorithmic bias are exacerbated by preexisting inequalities. In this article,
we delve into the concept of algorithmic apartheid in Africa, emphasizing the pressing need
to prioritize fair AI in the region.
One striking aspect of algorithmic apartheid in Africa is that the most promising and
influential AI technologies are predominantly developed outside the continent. Tech giants
from Silicon Valley and other technology hubs around the world are at the forefront of AI
development. While these technologies have the potential to bring substantial benefits, the
imposition of external AI systems in our societies may carry inherited biases, disrupt
established societal norms, question cultural values, and potentially lead to cultural erosion
and resistance. This disconnect between technology developed outside Africa and its impact
on the continent raises critical concerns.
As AI technologies influence various aspects of African life, including education, healthcare,
and job markets, there is a risk of undermining the rich local context. These technologies,
often designed with Western perspectives in mind, provide one-size-fits-all solutions to
complex problems encouraging blind faith in these systems. This in turn can lead to
overreliance and the assumption that they can seamlessly address Africa's diverse and unique
challenges. In reality, AI systems often inherit biases from their training data, reading
between the lines of data and unintentionally adopting the unfair and unjust biases within
them or even those from the developers themselves. They must be scrutinized and adapted to
fit African contexts, rather than being embraced uncritically which is vital to avoid falling
into the trap of blind faith.
AI systems must be designed and adapted to accommodate the unique nuances of African
societies and other large underrepresented and overlooked communities within the Global
south. The blind application of off-the-shelf AI solutions can lead to detrimental
consequences with contextual understanding and engagements with local experts as the main
solution to ensure AI aligns with the region's specific needs.
Algorithmic apartheid in Africa is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach
to mitigate its negative impact. It is crucial to recognize that AI is not a universal panacea for
all societal problems. While AI technologies have made remarkable progress, they are not
immune to human error, human biases, limitations, and context-specific requirements. As
technology continues to play a central role in our lives, addressing these issues is not just a
matter of fairness; it's a critical step towards fostering inclusive, equitable, and sustainable
development across the continent. Only by embracing AI that respects the societal values and
acknowledges the necessity for context-specific solutions can we truly harness the benefits of
this transformative technology without compromising cultural integrity or perpetuating
inequalities.
- EKM