China Can Help Africa Unlock AI Potential

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant opportunity for cooperation between China and Africa. The growing technology hubs across Africa, combined with a youthful, tech-savvy population, provide a perfect environment for collaboration with China, a country rich in expertise and investment capabilities.

In a recent discussion ahead of China’s annual political meetings, Lawrence Nderu, a research fellow at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya, highlighted how China is transforming the AI industry. He pointed out that through innovations like DeepSeek, China has demonstrated that effective AI solutions can be developed with limited computing resources if developers optimize their algorithms.

This advancement instills confidence in the Global South, regions that may not possess strong computing infrastructure, enabling them to leverage AI for meaningful solutions faster than expected. Nderu expressed hope that discussions at these meetings will facilitate collaborations between Chinese and African scientists, aimed at creating scalable solutions while taking into account Africa’s resource constraints.

Nderu emphasized that AI holds the potential to enhance various sectors in Africa, including agriculture, healthcare, and education. He stated that AI tools could lead to personalized learning experiences in educational contexts, allowing teachers to design tailored lesson plans and supporting students, especially in STEM fields.

Considering the persistent issue of corruption in several African nations, Nderu also highlighted AI's role in ensuring transparent resource utilization. Financial institutions and tax bodies could deploy AI to unveil cases of money laundering, fraud, or tax evasion, illuminating misconduct that has often been challenging to detect manually.

AI applications are capable of managing vast datasets, revealing patterns indicative of corruption and financial fraud that were previously nearly impossible to detect. This claim is supported by numerous anti-corruption experts.

Noting China’s strong production capabilities, which are increasingly integrated with AI, Nderu advocated for a technology transfer to Africa. With advancements like DeepSeek challenging American tech supremacy, he expects intensifying competition in AI development to drive optimized solutions. Nderu reflected that this sense of competition could be advantageous for Africa, suggesting that the continent can achieve computing power and efficiency sooner than expected.

Traditionally, many anticipate cooperation between the US and China to yield the best technological solutions due to both nations' advanced tech sectors. However, with the US continuing to impose sanctions on China regarding critical technology exports, such as advanced semiconductor equipment, Nderu remains optimistic about China's ongoing progress as a substantial investor in technology.

"China has demonstrated a capacity for innovative thinking, producing real solutions that are effective and impactful," he remarked. To help Africa keep pace with global AI developments, Nderu urges universities across the continent to equip their students with advanced technical skills.

At his university, there is a concerted effort to ensure AI is recognized as an essential tool for enhancing productivity within operations, research, and educational support. The importance of effectively utilizing AI cannot be overstated, especially as Africa seeks to benefit from technological advancements that could transform its future.

AI, Africa, China