“Africa’s philanthropy is about doing more with less. We have to reach a point where we understand that as the system of the world changes, philanthropy also changes.” Such profound words by Dr. Lerato Mokoena, quoted by Mwila Chriseddy Bwanga, can become a reality the moment we deliberately seek technological solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a tool in development for years, and we are now witnessing its potential to influence nearly every aspect of our societies and economies. Africa has been left behind during previous industrial revolutions; we cannot afford to let this happen again during the AI revolution. As Africans, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to write the next chapter in the great story of humanity and technology.
The potential to harness AI and machine learning (ML) to further sustainable development goals (SDG) in Africa is immense, particularly in critical areas such as energy access, health, education, climate, and sustainability. However, to effectively utilize technology, we must first understand its full potential in the African context.
AI-Driven Optimization in Renewable Energy
A study I conducted as a youth research associate with Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) focuses on the application of AI and machine learning in optimizing renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan African countries. The problem that inspired the research is one of the most pressing challenges Africa is facing today: energy poverty.
Over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) lack access to reliable electricity, which stifles economic growth, limits educational opportunities, and exacerbates health issues. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that one in two people added to the global population between now and 2040 will be from Africa, intensifying the energy demand. Yet, despite the continent’s vast potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, much of it remains untapped due to inadequate infrastructure, low investment levels, and regulatory hurdles.
AI and ML technologies that facilitate renewable energy systems can be created through the utilization of the vast amounts of data available. Models can be used to identify the best locations for solar panels and wind turbines, maximizing energy output while minimizing establishment and operation costs. Predictive analytics can forecast energy supply and demand, helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, AI can streamline project management by optimizing resource allocation, predicting maintenance needs, and ensuring that renewable energy installations operate at peak efficiency.
The conclusion drawn from the research suggests that AI has the potential to overcome infrastructural and financial barriers that currently impede renewable energy adoption in Africa. This is because AI can provide data-driven insights that can mitigate uncertainties cited to deter investment in renewable energy projects, such as inconsistent energy demands and fluctuating weather conditions. This approach enhances the viability of projects, making it easier for investors and philanthropists to put money into expanding renewable energy infrastructure across the continent.
The Broader Impact of AI in Africa
While the focus of the research discussed is on renewable energy, the implications of harnessing AI extend far beyond energy access. AI can have a transformative role in health and education. Reports show that AI can improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment plans, and enhance the delivery of medical services. In Africa, for instance, AI algorithms can analyze patient data and predict or control outbreaks of diseases like Ebola or cholera, ensuring an effective and efficient response by healthcare providers. Policymakers can also use such predictive power to make informed decisions that mitigate natural disasters, like floods, before they even occur.
In education, AI’s potential in Africa will only rise with an increase in the number and accuracy of small language models being developed for low-resource African languages. These models are meant to specifically fit the African context, where there is a critical need for models that are efficient, accessible, and locally relevant—a gap that high-resource language models have left. With such developments, AI-powered adaptive learning systems will soon be able to address the education gap and digital divide affecting the continent’s young generation, helping to bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation of African leaders.
The Role of Philanthropy in Driving Innovation
To realize the full potential of AI in addressing Africa’s challenges, there is an urgent need for financial support for youth-driven ideas and programming that is focused on energy solutions. Local efforts are crucial for driving change in response to the energy access challenges. Investing in the next generation of African leaders and researchers should encourage innovative solutions that are culturally relevant and specifically tailored to the unique needs of our communities.
Philanthropic investments in youth-led initiatives can empower young Africans to explore and implement technological solutions that directly tackle energy scarcity. For example, funding can support the development of AI models that analyze the local environmental factors and the natural resources at our disposal which would ensure the effectiveness of renewable energy systems optimization. Such support will also strengthen the capacity of local communities to address their challenges collaboratively. It will also facilitate training programs that equip young people with the necessary skills to develop and manage these technologies. This will ensure they are not just consumers of technology but active creators who can drive local energy solutions.
Investing in youth-driven initiatives focused on renewable energy is not just about addressing immediate challenges; it is also about laying the groundwork for sustainable development and long-term resilience. In an age where data-based tools are revolutionizing energy access, we must empower young Africans to lead the charge in leveraging AI for social good by supporting research and development of AI-based technologies. Ultimately, a commitment to support youth innovation will drive systemic change, and enable Africa to emerge as a leader in the global renewable energy landscape while addressing its unique challenges and opportunities.
A Call to Action
The call for a new era of African philanthropy that embraces technology and innovation is more pressing than ever. By learning to harness artificial intelligence and machine learning in facilitating the development of renewable energy systems, we can address the challenges interconnected with energy poverty facing our continent and pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. I believe that supporting youth-driven initiatives can guarantee us out-of-the-box solutions to local problems.
As we move forward, let us remember that “we are not free until every single one of us is free.” Technology, including AI, is a tool that has the potential to do a lot of good in Africa, seeing there are a lot of problems to be solved. If we embrace a collective responsibility to engage innovative solutions in addressing our challenges, we will transform the potential of AI into a powerful tool for change across the continent.
By Winfred Kiaire