South Africa is planning to establish its first artificial intelligence institute to prioritize advanced AI research.
Africa has a high potential for AI development, with Microsoft estimating that the continent could gain $1.5 trillion from AI by 2030. However, there is a notable shortage in skilled personnel, which this institute aims to address to some extent.
The institute will be established at Wits University, which has invested $3.3 million solely for this purpose.
It is expected that each year, the institute will graduate 20 Master’s students, 20 PhD candidates, and 10 post-doctoral researchers.
Benjamin Rosman, a globally recognized figure in robotics and artificial intelligence, will serve as the institute’s director.
The institute was initially planned back in 2017, and its development has taken years. Although this move marks a significant advancement in the potential application of AI across Africa, challenges such as inequality and the digital divide remain on the continent.
Global tech companies and local communities will be essential to addressing these challenges.
