Online Reporter
Jacqueline Ntaka, Feature
THE potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to impact Africa and other developing regions is significant, and it brings both opportunities and challenges. While AI has the potential to drive economic growth, improve healthcare, and enhance education, there are concerns about its implications, particularly regarding a new form of digital colonisation.
Historically, colonisation involved the exploitation of resources and people for the benefit of more powerful nations. Today, some scholars argue that AI could perpetuate similar patterns of inequality. This concept, often referred to as “AI colonialism,” suggests that the benefits of AI are disproportionately accruing to a few wealthy and technologically advanced countries, while developing nations may be left behind or exploited in new ways.
One major concern is the control over data. Data is a critical resource for AI development, and many developing countries lack the infrastructure to collect, store, and process large amounts of data. This can lead to a dependency on foreign companies that have the necessary technology and expertise. These companies may extract valuable data from developing regions without providing adequate benefits in return.
This dynamic can mirror historical patterns of resource extraction during colonial times. Karen Hao from MIT Technology Review highlights how AI is enriching a powerful few by dispossessing communities that have been dispossessed before. She draws parallels between historical colonialism and modern AI practices, noting that while the methods may differ, the underlying exploitation remains similar.
Moreover, there is the issue of AI-driven surveillance technologies being deployed in ways that could infringe on privacy and civil liberties. For example, in some African countries, foreign companies have introduced advanced surveillance systems that could be used to monitor and control populations. This raises ethical concerns about who controls these technologies and how they are used. Simon Johnson, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, warns that new technology does not automatically benefit everyone and can exacerbate existing inequalities if not managed inclusively. He compares the advent of AI to the Industrial Revolution and maritime colonialism, stressing that both have the power to undermine or elevate prosperity and equality.
However, it’s important to note that AI also offers significant opportunities for developing regions. With proactive policies and international support, these countries can harness AI to address critical challenges.
For instance, AI can improve healthcare by providing diagnostic tools in areas with a shortage of medical professionals. It can also enhance education through personalised learning systems that cater to individual student needs. Qimiao Fan and Christine Zhenwei Qiang from the World Bank argue that with proactive policies and international support, developing countries can shape the trajectory of AI and maximise its benefits.
To avoid the pitfalls of digital colonisation, it is crucial for developing countries to invest in their own AI capabilities. This includes building local expertise, creating robust data governance frameworks, and ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that benefit local communities. International cooperation and support can also play a vital role in helping these regions leverage AI for sustainable development.
In summary, while there are legitimate concerns about the potential for AI to perpetuate inequalities reminiscent of historical colonisation, there are also significant opportunities for positive impact. The key lies in ensuring that AI development is inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of local communities.
l Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]
Londile Moyo