Artificial intelligence, African cultures, and ethics: A call for inclusion

Abstract

This paper explores the nature, reasons, and implications of the exclusion of much of African content [broadly construed] in the design, development, deployment, and use of currently available generative artificial intelligence applications. We argue that generative artificial intelligence presents a potentially promising avenue for the achievement in Africa, as elsewhere in the world, of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) - and specifically poverty eradication (Goal 1), zero hunger (Goal 2), good health and well- being (Goal 3), quality education (Goal 4), and clean water and sanitation (Goal 6). However, in its current status, in which African content and languages are conspicuously missing/ignored, and/or forgotten, AI, in its conceptualisation, design, and development, accelerates the already existing exclusions, systemic discrimination, and epistemic injustices. This exclusion manifests itself in a variety of forms: in barring African AI experts from attending and contributing to global AI conferences; in the lack of African cultural content in the design and development of AI applications; and in the deliberate design of AI applications in non- African languages. Despite the increasing pace of AI deployment in many facets of our lives, the issue of exclusion has, unfortunately, in the burgeoning literature not received in-depth and sustained scholarly attention, particularly from an African perspective. Our goal in this paper is to set the ground for in-depth scholarly research and conversations focused on the nature, reasons, and implications of Africa’s exclusion in the design and development of artificial intelligence applications. But we are also interested in proposing ethical recommendations that would, if accepted, help ensure Africa is substantially included in the conceptualisation, design, and development of AI applications intended to help her people address their monumental challenges.