Collaboration key to ethical AI development in Africa, say experts

The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa demands extensive collaboration among policymakers, funders and civil society to prevent harm to vulnerable communities, according to Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi.

Speaking at the Mozilla Festival (MozFest) House Zambia at Ciela Conference Center in Lusaka on Wednesday, Lungati stated the importance of partnerships to design AI systems that prioritise safety, equity and accessibility.

She warned against working in silos, which could expose consumers to significant risks.

“We require collective collaboration to create boundaries that ensure AI systems do not expose communities to harm.

“We must design systems that are accessible to all, reflecting real community needs and shared values,” Lungati said.

She highlighted the dual potential of AI: its ability to tackle societal challenges and the risks of unequal access and misuse.

Lungati pointed to Ushahidi’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where its platform enabled effective community responses in over 140 countries.

Bob Alotta, Senior Vice President of Global Programs and Executive Producer of MozFest, set a critical tone for the event, underscoring the need to develop AI systems ethically.

“AI must serve people—not the other way around,” Alotta declared.

She called for inclusive, transparent, and fair technologies that address systemic inequities and reflect lived experiences rather than profit-driven models.

“Zambia and the Global South are vital to shaping the future of AI,” Alotta added. “Our communities hold the knowledge and expertise necessary to build ethical digital systems.”

Koliwe Majama, Senior Program Officer at the Mozilla Foundation, stressed the importance of local expertise in ensuring ethical AI implementation across Africa.

In her role overseeing the Africa Innovation Mradi Programme, Majama supported initiatives advancing trustworthy AI.

She emphasized the need for localised solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.

As MozFest House Lusaka continues, participants aim to develop actionable strategies for AI that prioritize accountability, accessibility, and alignment with community needs.

The event served as a collaborative platform to ensure AI systems are designed for equitable and sustainable impact.

The event, held in Lusaka, brought together technologists, policymakers, and human rights defenders to reimagine AI systems that respect privacy and uphold human rights.

Workshops and discussions centered on creating solutions to address global challenges while avoiding ethical lapses and inequities.

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