The African Masters of Machine Intelligence (AMMI) offer an opportunity to become a Machine Intelligence Expert. The call for applications for AMMI2024 is now open! This transformative initiative aims to empower talented Africans with cutting-edge training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Intelligence (MI).
Africa can’t afford to be a bystander as the world changes rapidly with technology. It must not only participate but must also contribute. It must create, and shape the future! Indeed, it is critical for the Africa we want and need – to improve lives, reduce inequalities, fulfill dreams, and enhance productivity. Africa must, therefore, be actively involved in advancing artificial intelligence. Mere talk and desire will not do; Africa must build the required expertise. Africa needs competent professionals, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who can exploit, innovate, and leverage machine intelligence and other emerging technologies to meet both the present and future needs of Africa and the world.
The African Masters of Machine Intelligence Initiative
The African Masters of Machine Intelligence is an initiative in line with this desire and vision. It is a novel, fully funded one-year intensive graduate program that equips brilliant young Africans with state-of-the-art training in machine learning and its applications.
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), a Pan-African network of centers of excellence for post-graduate training, research, and public engagement in mathematical sciences, also organizes this inspiring initiative.
AI and MI are in their early stages, rapidly evolving with vast potential applications. They significantly impact industries and our daily lives. Africa needs this expertise to secure the future and realize its potential.
MI could help innovatively improve lives and solve pressing developmental and sustainability problems worldwide. However, it is not without its challenges, such as malicious, unethical, and ignorant use, as well as the lack of representation, especially concerning bias and reinforcing inequalities that negatively affect African countries and other developing nations. How can an MI system trained on data from a Western nation be accurate when used to predict health statistics for African citizens?
Developing Africa’s AI and MI Expertise
One way to address these challenges and have a greater say in how MI systems are developed and how they impact African lives is by actively developing Africa’s expertise. This approach would make these technologies more relevant to our interests and needs, instead of following the status quo of ‘copying from developed nations and pasting in developing nations.’ Indeed, MI development can’t be considered fair and inclusive when it excludes African and other developing nations.
Investing in education and training and supporting research and development in AI and machine learning are critical.
Apply Now for The African Masters of Machine Intelligence
The African Masters of Machine Intelligence AMMI is therefore an avenue to position African countries to benefit from the potential benefits of MI while mitigating the risks.
Encourage interested and qualified individuals to apply now.: Here
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
Find him on Twitter @jidaw