Africa needs its own AI solutions, not borrowed ones, says expert

Girmaw Abebe Tadesse, a member of the UN-backed Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and head of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab in Kenya, emphasized that African countries should prioritize solving their own problems with technology instead of replicating systems from other regions. He noted that identifying key challenges is the first step before determining the necessary infrastructure, technology, and data. Tadesse made these remarks during an exclusive interview with UN News in Nairobi, held as global leaders discussed AI governance at UN Headquarters in New York.

Tadesse highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, universities, development partners, creative communities, and technology firms to create solutions suited to Africa’s environment. He stressed that stakeholders should share knowledge and expertise to address local needs, even with limited resources. The expert also pointed to the continent’s young population and growing technology adoption as opportunities to position Africa as a global AI innovation hub.

He warned that African countries must accelerate cooperation to avoid duplicating efforts and to learn from each other’s successes. Tadesse stressed that collaboration is essential to avoid starting from scratch and to ensure timely progress in building development-oriented AI systems across the continent.

The expert’s remarks coincide with the rapid expansion of AI across sectors such as education, health, agriculture, business, and public services in Africa. He emphasized that the continent’s success in AI will depend on joint efforts, shared priorities, and investments aligned with the needs of African citizens.