As global leaders prepare to converge at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence is expected to shape conversations. CNBC Africa spoke to Osaretin Agbonavabre, COO at bbcmgtAI LLC on key issues for Africa with AI expected to increase global GDP by nearly $20 trillion.
As global leaders prepare to converge at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence is expected to shape conversations. While CNBC Africa spoke to Osaretin Agbonavabre on key issues for Africa with AI expected to increase global GDP by nearly $20 trillion. It's so exciting, especially when we had a resolution by the UN in March of this year on AI. So that was the first resolution. Before now, there's been a lot of memos, communication about AI. There's not been a specific resolution. So the United Nations was able to come together to make a resolution in March. And part of that resolution was making sure that the ethical part of AI is not thrown on the carpet, because those are some of the worries of most people around the world, how ethical this can be, especially in the advanced world, looking at privacy and all of that. And one of the resolutions that was also made is the fact that the digital divide, especially in developing countries like Africa, needs to be carried along. There needs to be more resolution, like in terms of further resolution across regions and across countries on the use of AI. So the United Nations General Assembly have taken the bold step by making that resolution, which is a welcome development. And we are looking forward to a more resolution on AI. But I think so far, we are on the right track. And come this month, at the New York, I think more emphasis will be made, because this year's theme is the summit of the future. And it's only AI. AI is one of the partners of the future. And being an expert, I'm so, so glad about the opportunity to talk about this, and also trying to share this information with Africa, because Africa has a huge role to play in this resolution in terms of the expansion of AI around the world. What will be shaping the agenda for African countries ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York? I think the most important thing that needs to be done in Africa is in terms of this policy we're talking about. So the resolution has already been made, the bolster has been taken by the United Nations to give this resolution, a paper which is already in the public domain. So it's not left for countries in Africa to take this report and try to expand on it. And one way they could expand on it, based on the experience, based on what I've seen in the continent that is holding back AI development, is the policies, some of the policies that is currently in place are quite obsolete. So those need to be changed. Even ESPALACOS needs to be brought into board, not just relying on some technocrats, civil servants, who are involved in this ministry, where these policies are being made, because every nation, lawmakers, most of them don't have a vast experience in this new technology. And the same thing with the technocrats in some of these ministries, where these laws, where these bills are being put together. So bringing in ESPALACOS, bringing in people who have a lot of experience in this area, will actually shape the continent in a brighter note, because the nation cannot give what they don't have. So the best they could do is to make sure that there's a lot of conversation, a lot of collaboration. I think that is one of the mission of the United Nations. To do more collaboration with the international organization, international nations, you don't need to just rely on Africa alone. We need to look beyond, see how we can collaborate with the United States, with China, with some of the world power, Germany and France, especially Europe, where this technology would be shared, and that can also help in changing the landscape of AI in Africa. The potential of artificial intelligence is immense, but African countries are yet to fully set up structures and regulatory frameworks in place. What needs to be the priorities now, going forward? It has been estimated that AI is going to increase the world GDP by 40%. So what's about GDP we're seeing around the world, AI is going to increase it more than. So that will also impact Africa. So what Africa could do is to tap into the the teaming population, like the working class, at least the statistics shows that 70% of the population of Africa, of the continent, are under 30. And if you look at these people who are under 30, it means that there's so much they could do in ensuring that AI is being developed. This can be a huge progress for the continent. Artificial intelligence is projected to see global GDP rise by about 16 trillion US dollars. And this positions many countries at a very strategic point. But when you look at the key issues right now shaping African economies, we are still seeing not as fast enough adoption of ICT as required. Perhaps what are some of the issues that will be on the cards? At the UN General Assembly, which is in this month, in a few weeks from now, I think as related to Africa, efforts should be made on the digital divide. If you want to compare the level of digital technology, we wish AI is a domicile. The comparison to the advanced countries is huge. So they have to be a way of closing the gap by way of creating more development, making sure that the continent emphasize on programs, awareness, incubation, training, development, something that's good to support people to be more interested in this form of technology. Another thing, again, that is holding back the continent and which needs to be emphasized during the UN General Assembly is the need for collaboration. Because it is very essential for the continent to collaborate with the advanced countries like the United States, China, France, Germany, the UK, Canada. Some of these countries where AI has been a forerunner, there needs to be more collaboration. And in terms of the policy, like I said earlier on, the UN General Assembly resolution on AI that was being confirmed in March, I think the continent can actually take a look at that document and see where they can actually make their own improvement, making sure that the continent becomes a viable place for AI to thrive. Well, Osaretin, you have been a vocal voice in the AI spaces. And I'm just keen to know, what will be your forward outlook for the industry? And what are you doing differently to be able to see African countries can also be part of this conversation? All right. Thank you very much, Avi, for that question. We actually have a program coming up at the same time with the UN General Assembly meeting happening in New York, which is the African Coalitional Development, where we'll be talking about how we could make the continent, Africa for emphasis, to become better in terms of management, in terms of growth, business development, in terms of even the AI we're talking about, in terms of even policy, in terms of political landscape of the continent, how we can become better. Because what I would like to note, policy is very, very, very essential in what you're doing. So if the policy is not right, we will have a way of meeting up with the world. So the African Coalition of Development, we'll be talking more about this on the 28th of September, which is in this coming month, in this month. So I'm looking forward to people coming in to join us in New York. If you want to get more information, you can always reach out to me. And another thing, again, is I have a book that's already been published. You can get it on Amazon. We're talking about leveraging AIPC for small and medium enterprises. So you know, like the continent, they love small and medium scale enterprises. AIPC is what will be coming by 2035. So it is very, very essential that the continent try to embrace this form of technology. And so this is just some of the things that I'm working on. And I'm looking forward to seeing you guys at the summit and looking forward for you to get in the book on leveraging AIPC for small and medium scale enterprises.
Theme: Ethical Regulation of AI and Africa's Role in Driving AI Development
As global leaders gear up for the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, discussions on the ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to take center stage. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Osaretin Agbonavabre, COO at bbcmgtAI LLC, shedding light on key issues facing Africa as AI is projected to boost the global GDP by nearly $20 trillion. The interview highlighted the significance of the UN resolution on AI made in March this year, emphasizing the need to address ethical concerns surrounding AI and the importance of bridging the digital divide in developing countries like Africa. Agbonavabre praised the bold step taken by the United Nations General Assembly and expressed optimism for further resolutions to be made during this year's summit themed 'The Summit of the Future.' Africa's role in shaping the future of AI was underlined, stressing the importance of policy adaptation, collaboration with international organizations and nations, and leveraging the continent's young population to drive AI development. The interview also touched on the need for African countries to set up regulatory frameworks and prioritize efforts in closing the digital gap and promoting collaboration with advanced AI nations like the United States and China. Looking ahead, Agbonavabre discussed upcoming initiatives like the African Coalition for Development and the release of a book on leveraging AI for small and medium enterprises to drive growth and innovation in Africa's AI landscape.
"It has been estimated that AI is going to increase the world GDP by 40%. So what's about GDP we're seeing around the world, AI is going to increase it more than."
AI, Africa, United Nations General Assembly, Artificial Intelligence, GDP, Digital Divide, UN Resolution, Policy, Collaboration