Africa's artificial intelligence (AI) market is poised to make a significant economic impact, potentially contributing $2.9 trillion by 2030. However, experts caution that the adoption of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly between urban and rural areas, unless deliberate efforts are made to ensure inclusive access and culturally sensitive development.

According to Abejide Ade-Ibijola, a professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applications at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), the excitement around AI is real, but it comes with a warning. "The adoption of AI will likely create a two-tiered reality," he said in an interview. "Those in urban centers like Johannesburg and Kigali will enjoy the benefits of AI-powered mobile phones, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge technologies. Meanwhile, those in rural areas, often lacking basic infrastructure like electricity, risk being left behind."

Ade-Ibijola emphasizes that progress must be rooted in realism, acknowledging the need for infrastructure, affordability, and intent to ensure that the benefits of AI are not concentrated among the privileged few. He also stresses the importance of building ethical, unbiased AI systems that reflect Africa's cultural and historical nuances.

In various sectors, AI has the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. For instance, AI-driven surgeries could offer greater precision, while drones equipped with sensors and irrigation systems can optimize crop management. AI-powered tools can also generate personalized learning plans and provide language translations for complex concepts. However, these advancements raise concerns about job displacement and the need for a more nuanced understanding of AI's impact on society.

To address these challenges, Ade-Ibijola advocates for a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that AI serves everyone, not just urban populations. This includes providing solutions like solar energy or lithium batteries to power devices, as well as deploying mobile tech hubs with laptops for young people to learn and interact with advanced technologies.

Building unbiased, ethical AI systems is another critical aspect of Africa's AI development. Ade-Ibijola notes that AI models are fundamentally built upon data, and without vast datasets, AI cannot function. However, this data must be curated and sanitized to prevent the replication of harmful biases. He suggests two primary strategies: curating and sanitizing data before training the AI, and training the AI on unfiltered data but providing explicit guidelines on ethical behavior.

Effective regulation is also essential, requiring a collaborative approach that brings together government officials, AI experts, industry professionals, and manufacturers. Ade-Ibijola emphasizes the need for informed and practical policies that balance innovation with the need to prevent unforeseen consequences.

Finally, Africa has opportunities to lead in global AI research, but this requires investment in infrastructure, education, and societal discipline. Ade-Ibijola suggests that Africa should focus on catching up with existing standards rather than attempting to lead, and that AI can help the continent leapfrog development challenges and improve its standing.

As Africa's AI market continues to grow, it is crucial that experts, policymakers, and industry leaders prioritize inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical considerations to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all, not just a privileged few.