The commitment aims to support AI expertise and computing power in Africa and help the continent’s AI innovators boost growth and support the continent’s long-term development…reports Asian Lite News
The United Kingdom and its global partners on Wednesday announced an 80 million pound project for funding artificial intelligence projects around the world, beginning in Africa.
The announcement was made on the first day of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit that began today at the historic British technological landmark, Bletchley Park, near London.
The £80 million ($100 million) funding is the result of a collaboration between Britain, Canada and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to boost “safe and responsible” programming, according to the UK Foreign Office.
The UK AI for Development Programme will contribute 38 million pounds to the collaboration which shows UK investing in partnerships which are using cutting-edge technology to solve global challenges.
The commitment aims to support AI expertise and computing power in Africa and help the continent’s AI innovators boost growth and support the continent’s long-term development.
It will seek to unlock the “benefits of AI to the 700 million people who speak 46 African languages” according to statement by the British High Commission here.
The Summit also intends to address the ways global superpowers can mitigate risks associated with AI technology however so far more focus has been to support African countries. The fund intends to support Africa by increasing at least eight new AI research labs in African Universities, promoting Africans to enter the AI market.
The summit suggests that doing this will make the AI market more equitable, enabling AI to be safely and responsibly used.
According to a statement it will, “help bring down the barriers to entry for African AI innovators with the private sector.”
UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said “The transformative power of AI should have a global benefit. AI can change lives for the better around the world, including helping to develop new treatments for diseases and to tackle food insecurity.”
