When some people think of Artificial Intelligence (AI), they think of humanoid robots turning against their creators in an apocalyptic science fiction movie. In reality, AI is already playing an increasing role in many beneficial existing and evolving technologies, including in Africa. Samuel Ansong will speak about 'The Future Is Intelligence: Africa's AI Innovation in vital sectors' at WIM2020.
On December 9-11, 2020, EqualOcean will host this year's World Innovators Meet (WIM2020). Due to the unprecedented events regarding COVID-19, WIM2020 will take on a bolder stance and adopt a more global outlook by taking the form of an online conference that will be streamed simultaneously in all countries and regions that champion the realm of technology and innovation.
During the World Innovators Meet, the WIM Committee will release the annual blockbuster WIA list, the World Innovation Awards, based on our annual industry and investment research findings, together with a series of research reports.
Samuel Ansong is from Ghana and has a BSc in Computer science (first class), a MSc Eng. In Computer Science (Tsinghua University) – a course listed among Forbes’ ‘Top 10 Master’s Degrees in AI.’ Samuel is specialized in Artificial intelligence as applied in healthcare, a trend that is seen to be of growing importance in the wake of the pandemic and the strain that placed on medical systems.
He has worked as software engineer at e-tech Ghana, and was IT manager for Joyce Group in the country, and currently is working as premier engineer with Wicresoft (Microsoft Partner) in Shanghai. Samuel is also the CTO for Duapa Africa Beijing.
The future is ‘intelligent’ – an assumption increasingly shared by innovators and entrepreneurs, drawing in the probably influence of IoT, AI and enhanced automation. By some estimates, by 2030 AI will have added $15.7 trillion to the global GDP, with $6.6 trillion projected to be from increased productivity and $9.1 trillion from aftereffects in consumption. Furthermore, augmentation, which allows people and AI to work together to enhance performance, “will create $2.9 trillion of business value and 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity globally,” according to PWC.
In a world that is increasingly characterized by enhanced connectivity and where data is as pervasive as it is valuable, Africa has a unique opportunity to leverage new digital technologies to drive large-scale transformation and competitiveness. Africa cannot and should not be left behind.
How intelligent the future is for Africa?
In the future, according to Sam Ansong, we will likely see human and computer intelligence combined to disrupt major sectors of the African economy, maximizing efficiency and creating new markets.
Observing some remarkable efforts currently being conducted on the continent to drive AI to the next level, Samuel notes that the success of leveraging artificial intelligence depends on some basic factors –things like data availability, acceptance and technical know-how come into play. Africa, being a Mobile Web and ‘mobile-first’ continent has paved a way for a shift to data-driven approaches in decision making in the private and public sectors. The availability of data, although marred by some challenges, combined with the paradigm shift of government strategies towards innovation in technology (exemplified by the growing popularity of tech hubs), have created an enabling environment for the adoption of AI in several vital ways. Africa’s approach to AI has been innovative and involves by all major stakeholders. Countries like South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria are leading the way.
“Local AI for local problems”
AI is a fundamental tool and can be leveraged anywhere. The problems in a given community tends to gather around solving issues based on the availability of a dataset. So if the available datasets for relevant problems are concentrated in one area, industry and research will be geared towards that. As Ansong confirms, wherever there is available data, AI is ready to be deployed. To localize our solutions, we need to make sure the digital foundations are well and truly streamlined, most importantly this concerns the availability of data.
“Africa is well poised to harnessing the full potential of AI. To achieve this, the continent must increase the knowledge-based adoption of the technology. The use of AI as a human companion to maximize profits and create new markets should be inculcated. As an advocate for ‘human-in-the-loop’ systems (which combine both human and computer intelligence), I see the future of AI in Africa as a collective effort where data is gained from the people to build systems that are meant for the betterment of the community and society. In short, AI from the people for the people. At DUAPA Africa, we are looking to promote startups that are willing to leverage AI to address prominent society issues through partnerships with incubators and tech firms in China,” says Samuel.
Samuel has previously bagged awards such as Inter-Tertiary Mobile App Hacker-ton Winner Ghana 2016, and the International student's entrepreneurship cup, 3rd place, in Hangzhou, China.
About WIM
Hosted by EqualOcean, the World Innovators Meet (WIM) is a world-class event for innovators. It provides limitless opportunities to learn from and connect with the most sought-after technology pioneers.
About WIA
The World Innovation Awards (WIA) are announced at WIM to recognize game-changers across various industries and geographies. Selected by a committee of distinguished experts, entrepreneurs and investors, WIA are designed to acknowledge technology disruptors striving to make a positive impact.
Register for the event
We sincerely welcome you to join WIM2020 on December 9-11, 2020.
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[Global Trends] Key insights from 11 Industry and Overseas Chapters made available to you for all three days of WIM2020.
[Insightful Conversation] Connect with 120 top-notch global speakers, listen to their perspectives and interact with them online.
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Join the WIM2020 family and become a member of the World Innovation Community, participating in a technology and innovation carnival that connects the world right at your doorstep, all while drawing a special end to the extraordinary 2020!
Cooperation
If you would like to become/recommend a speaker, discuss cooperation opportunities or media partnerships, apply for the World Innovators Awards or to be a volunteer, please click here to fill in the WIM2020 Cooperation Form (we recommend you to do so on a computer). We will be in touch as soon as possible. Thank you and welcome!