The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues its commitment to advancing technology and global equity with a $30 million investment in a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform in Africa. This initiative of Bill Gates seeks to facilitate access to AI for researchers on the African continent, paving the way for local innovation and ensuring it is developed safely, ethically and equitably.
The $30 million investment announced on Tuesday, October 10, is primarily aimed at making AI more accessible to African scientists, according to the report. Forbes.
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and technology advocate, calls AI “the most important advancement in technology since the graphical user interface.” This investment will enable African innovators to work in critical areas such as healthcare, agriculture, financial services and innovation.
The new AI platform will include a data repository, as well as experts in technical development and regulatory policy, giving African scientists the tools and support needed to drive local solutions.
Fight against technological inequality
The Gates Foundation seeks to ensure that AI not only benefits the well-off, but has a significant impact on reducing inequality. Bill Gates has expressed his commitment to this goal, stating that “governments and philanthropy will have to play a critical role in ensuring that it reduces inequality and does not contribute to it.”
Bill Gates also recognized the challenges that AI poses in the short and long term. This includes the need to ensure the accuracy of AI systems, address copyright issues, and confront deepfake threats.
Additionally, Gates addressed the potential impact of AI on the economy, mentioning that if the technology reaches a point where it replaces many human tasks, we could face a “problem of excess.”