Morocco wants Africa to build AI systems for itself. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement yesterday about creating ethical AI that fits African needs. They want technology that helps local problems instead of copying solutions from elsewhere. This matters because Africa faces unique challenges that require specific approaches.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita spoke through video at an African Union meeting his country chairs this March. He talked about how AI affects peace and security and how countries run themselves. He asked African nations to work together to make AI help development across the continent. Morocco aims to support Africa's growth in technology under King Mohammed VI's leadership.
AI brings both good and bad possibilities for Africa. It can push progress forward but might also cause problems if misused. Bad actors could use it to create instability or help terrorist groups. Numbers show deepfake videos jumped 900% since 2019. AI-driven cyberattacks rose 300% between 2019 and 2022. About 40% of terrorist groups already used robot drones in attacks. Last year, 47 countries dealt with fake information campaigns.
Despite these risks, AI offers huge economic benefits. By 2030, experts predict AI will add $15.7 trillion to the world economy. It could boost farm production by 10-15% and speed up growth rates by 40% in some countries. But Africa must fix major gaps first - 60% of Africans lack internet access. Less than 2% of data used for AI comes from Africa. Only 1% of global AI experts live on the continent.
Morocco suggested creating an African AI Fund and starting a continent-wide plan for gathering and using data. They want massive training programs to build African AI talent. Morocco has already launched "Digital Morocco 2030" to train 100,000 people yearly. They recently started teaching children about AI and built the first UNESCO AI center in Africa, located in Rabat. They helped pass the first UN rules on AI.
Minister Bourita asked African countries for specific actions, warning that doing nothing hurts everyone. Morocco wants to connect African AI centers and create an expert panel to help carry out plans across the continent. They believe Africa must shape its future with technology. As Bourita quoted King Mohammed VI, "Africa must believe in its ability to take its destiny into its hands."
He finished with a warning that AI has already changed power relationships worldwide. "Either we unite to master this transformation, or we will suffer the consequences," he said. Gambian Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara also joined the meeting. He stressed AI's ability to transform society but called for responsible rules to prevent misuse, especially in military areas. He stated The Gambia wants AI to promote peace and development across Africa.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita spoke through video at an African Union meeting his country chairs this March. He talked about how AI affects peace and security and how countries run themselves. He asked African nations to work together to make AI help development across the continent. Morocco aims to support Africa's growth in technology under King Mohammed VI's leadership.
AI brings both good and bad possibilities for Africa. It can push progress forward but might also cause problems if misused. Bad actors could use it to create instability or help terrorist groups. Numbers show deepfake videos jumped 900% since 2019. AI-driven cyberattacks rose 300% between 2019 and 2022. About 40% of terrorist groups already used robot drones in attacks. Last year, 47 countries dealt with fake information campaigns.
Despite these risks, AI offers huge economic benefits. By 2030, experts predict AI will add $15.7 trillion to the world economy. It could boost farm production by 10-15% and speed up growth rates by 40% in some countries. But Africa must fix major gaps first - 60% of Africans lack internet access. Less than 2% of data used for AI comes from Africa. Only 1% of global AI experts live on the continent.
Morocco suggested creating an African AI Fund and starting a continent-wide plan for gathering and using data. They want massive training programs to build African AI talent. Morocco has already launched "Digital Morocco 2030" to train 100,000 people yearly. They recently started teaching children about AI and built the first UNESCO AI center in Africa, located in Rabat. They helped pass the first UN rules on AI.
Minister Bourita asked African countries for specific actions, warning that doing nothing hurts everyone. Morocco wants to connect African AI centers and create an expert panel to help carry out plans across the continent. They believe Africa must shape its future with technology. As Bourita quoted King Mohammed VI, "Africa must believe in its ability to take its destiny into its hands."
He finished with a warning that AI has already changed power relationships worldwide. "Either we unite to master this transformation, or we will suffer the consequences," he said. Gambian Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara also joined the meeting. He stressed AI's ability to transform society but called for responsible rules to prevent misuse, especially in military areas. He stated The Gambia wants AI to promote peace and development across Africa.
