“Our young are traversing and influencing the trajectory of AI. They, like this latest technology, are the future.”

A combination of excitement and fear continue to surround the development of AI and the prospects it holds for the future. Recent news has witnessed increasing concerns regarding the absence of robust measures to regulate AI, with personalities like Elon Musk warning of poorly constructed AI having catastrophic effects on humanity in the event of it becoming too powerful to control.

Like other similar conversations that play out at geopolitical levels far above the discourse of ordinary people, the ensuing discussion regarding AI will only become relevant to urban communities when the political elite and associated tech, alongside multinational corporations, stand to profit from testing such technology on them. This is nothing new and has been witnessed in the field of medicine, to name but one example of when minority groups have been effectively utilised as guinea pigs.

It is important to be either on the curve or ahead of it by ensuring we keep abreast of developments in this rapidly changing field; having members from our own urban sociocultural strata specialise in, and shape, how AI can positively impact communities without external interventions.

AI is becoming more accessible and this will be witnessed at the forthcoming GITEX Africa Digital Summit in Marrakech, from 31st May – 1st June 2023. Approximately 20,000 trade buyers, 900 exhibitors and 400 start-ups will convene there to interact and share technological advancements with more than 125 government delegations from 95 countries. AI has certainly arrived.

In synchronisation with the global advancement of AI, I recently launched Cenology, an entity aimed at ensuring that technology-based initiatives and research are developed among the urban locale by the talent emanating from there. Yunus Skeete, MSc Eng., is an example of the emerging talent and expertise among such communities, and his upcoming article will provide an insightful, as well as thought-provoking discourse, regarding the challenges of AI.

Our young are traversing and influencing the trajectory of AI. They, like this latest technology, are the future.

-------

Related Links

GITEX Africa Digital Summit in Marrakech