Japan aims to boost Africa's AI workforce, currently comprising only 1% of the global total.
In a bid to advance technological development and innovation on the continent, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced plans to train and deploy 30,000 AI industry personnel in Africa over the next three years. This initiative aims to address Africa's pressing social and economic needs and tap into the continent's fertile ground for innovation that can generate shared value for both Africa and Japan.
The collaboration extends beyond Japanese universities, with JICA partnering with African academic institutions and research centres such as AIMS, University of Nairobi, Stellenbosch University, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic. JICA also hopes to leverage partnerships with other global players like Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Gates Foundation, and Google to coordinate efforts better.
The training will not be limited to computer science students. JICA's efforts will extend to policymakers and non-STEM faculty to ensure a comprehensive understanding of AI and its potential impact on various sectors. This approach will help in capacity building and knowledge transfer, fostering a stronger startup ecosystem on the continent.
Africa's AI market is projected to reach $16 billion in five years, making it an attractive destination for technological investment. JICA's plan has two broad goals: build a deep AI talent pool and expand bilateral cooperation with Japanese firms. To achieve this, the partnership aims to support 'centres of excellence' that develop AI-training curricula, conduct impactful research, and train the next generation of AI professionals.
Collaborative projects will tackle pressing challenges in health, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. The University of Tokyo's Matsuo-Iwasawa Lab is co-developing online content for students across Africa, providing practical outlets to apply learned skills through initiatives like hackathons.
Despite Africa holding only 1% of global AI talent, the continent's potential is immense. Only 5% of Africa's AI talent has access to the computational power and resources needed for complex research tasks. By addressing this gap, JICA's efforts could potentially help address Japan's growing shortfall of IT professionals by 2030.
Moreover, African nations themselves are urging greater collaboration to address structural gaps that could slow down the continent's AI progress. JICA's goal is to expand engagement with many different universities across Africa, contributing to a more connected and innovative continent.
In a significant move, the Japanese government has pledged its support to this initiative. The partnership aims to foster a stronger startup ecosystem on the continent and provide funding for venture capital. With the Moonshot by the website returning to Lagos on October 15-16, featuring Africa's top founders, creatives, and tech leaders, the stage is set for Africa's AI revolution. Early bird tickets are available with a 20% discount.
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