Microsoft announced on Thursday that Artificial Intelligence, AI, has the potential to contribute up to USD15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Theo Watson, a Commercial Lawyer with Microsoft Africa, shared this insight during his presentation titled “AI Opportunity in Africa” at the African AI Journalists Academy via Microsoft Team.
Highlighting the opportunities AI could bring to Africa, Watson mentioned that out of the projected USD15.7 trillion, USD1.2 trillion could be generated in Africa alone.
He further noted that this USD1.2 trillion represents a 5.6 per cent increase in the continent’s GDP by 2030.
Watson, however, emphasised the need for responsible regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate its opportunities and reap its benefits.
According to him, as the world navigates this AI-powered future, our journey must be underpinned by responsible and sustainable innovation.
He said that this would ensure that the progress of AI in the nation remained aligned with human values and societal norms.
“Responsible and sustainable innovation will ensure that AI progress aligns with the needs that define Africa’s vastly diverse cultures.
“This involves a deep engagement with the continent’s unique challenges, recognising their complexity and prioritising those that AI can help solve.
“Also, collaborating with relevant stakeholders will be key to ensuring that AI solutions are not just technologically advanced but also culturally attuned and genuinely beneficial to Africa societies,’’ the lawyer said.
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Watson emphasized the importance of trust and security in AI development, noting that Microsoft began its responsible AI journey in 2016. He highlighted Microsoft’s AI principles, which include fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
Akua Gyekye, Government Affairs Director at Microsoft Africa, discussed the rapid transformation of industries and the evolving drivers of economic growth. She emphasized the role of technology in addressing socioeconomic challenges such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, noting its tangible impact.
Gyekye provided examples of AI applications, citing the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa’s use of AI to reduce water wastage and improve water and sanitation services. She also mentioned how farmers in Nigeria and Kenya are benefiting from customized farming advice based on AI-driven analysis of soil and weather data.
“This helps them to make evidence- driven decisions and increase yields using technology to do the research and help find the right use of AI to boost productivity of their workforce,” she said.
Gyekye, however, highlighted some blueprint for governing AI that could accelerate opportunities in Africa, noting that this included promoting transparency and ensuring academic and public access to AI.
Gyekye also highlighted safety brakes for AI systems that control critical infrastructure, new public-private partnerships to use AI as an effective tool to address the inevitable societal challenges that come with new technology.
“Grounded in responsible regulation and collaborative partnerships, Africa can fully realise the opportunities presented by a future with AI.
”Microsoft believes that when you create powerful technologies, you also must ensure that the technology is developed and used responsibly,” the director said.
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