Publisher: African Market OS • ORCID: 0009-0009-8191-2098
“In the era of the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, Africa faces an urgent question: Will the continent shape AI—or be shaped by it?”
AI in Africa: Why Africa May Not Benefit from the Artificial Intelligence Revolution is a research-driven book that explores the systemic challenges limiting Africa’s participation in AI innovation — including algorithmic bias, data colonialism, digital inequality, and intellectual dependency. Drawing on decades of African market analysis, it reveals how education systems designed for compliance rather than creativity have left African economies ill-prepared for an age that rewards imagination over imitation.
Key Topics and Insights
- The Data Trap: How Africa risks becoming the dataset, not the designer, in a new era of digital extraction.
- Education and Innovation: Why rigid learning models stifle curiosity essential for AI-driven economies.
- The Leapfrog Fallacy: Why copying Western AI policies reinforces dependency rather than drives transformation.
- Reclaiming Authorship: How frameworks such as Minimum Viable Relationships (MVR) propose ethical, context-aware AI in African development.
Across more than 100 pages of analysis, illustrations, and “After Thoughts,” AI in Africa serves as both critique and playbook—equipping policymakers, researchers, and founders to reclaim Africa’s digital narrative.
Impact and Relevance
This book is a must-read for policymakers, AI researchers, educators, data scientists, and innovation leaders seeking to build inclusive, ethical, and locally grounded AI ecosystems. It provides evidence-based insights and actionable frameworks for:
- Policy Makers: Designing AI governance frameworks, national AI strategies, and digital economy policies that promote local authorship, fairness, and innovation.
- AI Researchers & Ethicists: Exploring the intersections of AI ethics, algorithmic justice, and data sovereignty in African contexts.
- Entrepreneurs & Startups: Understanding AI adoption challenges, data infrastructure gaps, and opportunities for context-aware innovation.
- Educators & Institutions: Rethinking STEM education and curriculum design to prepare Africa’s next generation for AI creativity and authorship.
- Global Development Practitioners: Confronting technological colonialism and fostering responsible AI partnerships between Africa and the world.
By blending critical theory, policy insight, and practical frameworks, this work challenges readers to move beyond consumption toward authorship of AI knowledge and design—ensuring Africa is not merely included in the AI revolution but actively defines it.
Access & Licensing
Available on: Selar • African Market OS Publications • Goodreads • ORCID Record
License: CC BY 4.0 • Published by African Market OS.