ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE HUB AND DATA
Most of the digitalization efforts both private and public rely on data and insights of that data If you are looking for support in the use and development of open and responsible artificial intelligence solutions for the benefit of all, the AI Hub Rwanda is the right place for you. At the AI Hub, we provide a wide range of tailored services, spaces and opportunities to co-create a vibrant and inclusive AI ecosystem in Rwanda. Through advisory services, capacity development and networking opportunities we aim to improve access to training data and open AI technologies for local innovation. We build local technical know-how and support our partners in developing policy frameworks for ethical AI, data protection and privacy.
In this focus topic, the project is supporting Rwanda in building capacities and developing regulatory frameworks regarding the ethical use of AI. Moreover, support is provided in disseminating knowledge and in developing use cases, particularly for Machine Translation and Natural Language Processing. Furthermore, AIdriven solutions for climate adaptation, agriculture, and disaster risk management Success factors are facilitated. The establishment of The Responsible AI Office (RAIO) Facilitated shape the AI governance landscape in Rwanda, working on policy frameworks and ethical guidelines for AI development.
Training program for open machine learning for earth observation
Together with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) and the German Aerospace Agency (DLR), the AI Hub implement training programs for open machine learning for earth observation (ML4EO). The programs aim at providing the necessary skills for young professionals to make use of machine learning techniques to leverage the ever-growing amounts of available earth observation data for the sustainable development of Rwanda. Participants are enabled to build their own ML4EO solutions and business models.
So far, forty young Rwandan professionals had the opportunity to be trained at the intersection of machine learning and earth observation and to present their solutions and business ideas at a final pitch event, where they competed for initial seed funding in front of an international jury. The curriculum and training material was developed in cooperation with the University of Rwanda and the Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU) and is now openly accessible for local universities to offer courses in ML4EO. Furthermore, a network for professionals in machine learning and earth observation has been launched to facilitate exchange and bring together relevant factors such as challenge owners, industry professionals, and young talents.
National Artificial Intelligence policy for Rwanda
With the support of the AI Hub, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) developed the National AI Policy for Rwanda. The policy provides a roadmap, clear objectives, and ethical principles for harnessing the potential of AI for sustainable and inclusive growth. By mobilizing local, regional, and international stakeholders, it positions Rwanda as a leading AI innovation hub in Africa.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced the Policy’s approval in a Cabinet resolution communiqué in April 2023.
With the support of the AI Hub, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) developed the National AI Policy for Rwanda. The policy provides a roadmap, clear objectives, and ethical principles for harnessing the potential of AI for sustainable and inclusive growth. By mobilizing local, regional, and international stakeholders, it positions Rwanda as a leading AI innovation hub in Africa.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced the Policy’s approval in a Cabinet resolution communiqué in April 2023.
Natural language processing fellowship
In cooperation with the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), the AI Hub implemented a natural language processing fellowship (NLP Fellowship), which aimed at strengthening local technical know-how in AI in Rwanda. The participants of the fellowship were trained in NLP techniques used in machine translation and conversational AI chatbots. They were also sensitized regarding the importance of ethical principles, human rights, accountability, and transparency when dealing with AI technologies.
As part of the practice-oriented program, the participants worked on a range of exciting projects tackling real life challenges from different sectors, including government, private and academia.
Beside developing their technical skills and capacities, the participants came up with several promising solutions that ranged from NLP models for analyzing social media sentiment and detecting fake news to AI enabled tools to analyze feedback from citizens in multiple languages to help ministries to make data-driven decisions and improve their service delivery.
Responsible AI Office (RAIO)
The RAIO continued to contribute to the development of AI policies, collaborating with MINICT and international experts to establish ethical AI frameworks. One of the key achievements was the publication of the AI Playbook, which provides guidelines for AI development and governance
AI Solutions for Disaster Risk Management
The Digital Transformation Center partnered with MINEMA and RSA to integrate AI into disaster management efforts, creating early warning systems for floods and landslides, which are now being tested in flood-prone regions.
AI for Agriculture
The Innovate Africa Challenge produced AI solutions that address key challenges like crop disease detection and efficient resource use in farming, which are now being piloted in rural areas. One AI solution for crop disease detection was implemented by one of the start-ups that participated in the challenge. The solution was piloted in 15 counties in Kenya benefiting over 2,000 farmers
