Rwanda’s Artificial Intelligence ecosystem is growing which creates the need to define ethical standards for the use of AI through an AI Policy. Read here how this will enable Rwanda to channel AI’s transformative power while mitigating the risks and ethical concerns that the technology entails.
With new solutions such as the RBC Mbaza AI Chatbot for COVID-19 information evolving, Rwanda’s Artificial Intelligence ecosystem shows its growth potential. However, for this growth to be sustainable and more importantly for it to become an engine of the country’s economy and societal development, AI transformative power should be channeled into areas in which it can take advantage of the existing strengths of Rwanda’s digital ecosystem. AI Policy is an effective channeling tool which allows AI to contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Rwanda and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while mitigating the risks and ethical concerns that the technology entails. The policy creates a roadmap with clear objectives for the country, which is supported by agile policy frameworks that foster innovation between actors and a prioritization of areas that enables the country to reap the potential of AI.
Where is Rwanda on AI Policy?
Fostering Global Exchange and Capacity-building for AI Policy Makers
AI skills and literacy is one of the prioritized areas for AI policy in Rwanda. But this does not only entail re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce. Instead, the need to have the necessary skills and understanding of this technology starts by the policy makers that are in charge of crafting and implementing AI Policies. Therefore, FAIR Forward has established the Africa-Asia AI Policy maker network with policy makers (such as ministries of ICT and regulatory authorities) from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and India. The objective? To equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful AI policymakers, while fostering the exchange between these countries. The latter is key, as AI policy cannot be considered only at the national level. Instead, national governments have the unique opportunity to share AI policy together which is still at a nascent stage at the global level.