DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICA must build its own artificial intelligence (AI) systems or risk becoming a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Professor Adolf Mkenda have warned.
He said investing in digital infrastructure, research and skills development is critical to ensuring AI reflects African data, languages, institutions and values.
Prof Mkenda made the remarks recently while opening the Second International Conference on the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence in the African Context in Dar es Salaam, held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Economy in Africa.”
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers and technology experts from Africa and beyond. More than 100 research papers were submitted from 34 countries, with 46 selected for presentation.
“Africa must build artificial intelligence based on African data, African languages, African institutions and African values,” Prof Mkenda said, stressing that the continent should move beyond importing technologies developed elsewhere.
He said AI offers enormous opportunities to transform economies, improve public services and accelerate development, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, financial services and public administration.
For Tanzania, he said AI could improve service delivery, boost productivity, strengthen decision-making and expand access to knowledge and economic opportunities. AI-powered tools, he noted, could help farmers analyse data, support teaching and learning, assist healthcare professionals in diagnosis and improve the efficiency of government services.
However, Prof Mkenda cautioned that these benefits would only be realised through sustained investment in science, technology and innovation, digital infrastructure, research and workforce development.
He also called for greater investment in digital and AIrelated skills, saying universities and other higher learning institutions have a critical role in preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving technological environment.
“Many African countries still face major challenges, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited research capacity, shortages of highly skilled professionals and the underrepresentation of African languages, cultures and datasets in AI systems,” Prof Mkenda said.
He warned that inadequate African data could produce technologies that fail to reflect the continent’s realities, while weak governance could expose citizens to privacy violations, misuse of personal data and widening inequalities.
Prof Mkenda urged governments to establish clear governance frameworks to promote responsible AI development, protect personal information and ensure transparency. He also called for stronger partnerships among governments, universities, researchers and technology companies to develop locally relevant digital solutions and expand digital access to underserved communities.
Speaking at the conference, University of Dodoma Vice-Chancellor Professor Lughano Kusiluka said universities have a responsibility to ensure AI contributes to economic growth rather than causing harm through misuse.
He welcomed the participation of researchers from across Africa, saying the continent’s youthful population provides a strong foundation for harnessing emerging technologies.
Prof Kusiluka said universities must help society understand both the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
“Artificial intelligence itself is only a tool. Human beings use their natural intelligence to direct AI, whether for good or harmful purposes,” he said.
He said Tanzania cannot afford to delay embracing AI, but stressed that technology should complement, rather than replace, independent thinking.
Referring to the growing use of AI tools such as ChatGPT by university students, Prof Kusiluka said institutions must ensure learners acquire genuine knowledge instead of relying on technology to complete academic work.
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He noted that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has already issued guidelines governing AI use, while universities have experts to help students use the technology responsibly.
Prof Kusiluka warned that students found using AI dishonestly in examinations could face disciplinary action, including failing examinations.
“Our responsibility is to ensure students acquire genuine knowledge that enables them to contribute meaningfully to society and national development,” he said.
He added that AI should be embraced as a tool for driving economic growth and improving people’s quality of life while safeguarding academic integrity.