Published: 3 hours ago

Artificial intelligence (AI) expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has warned that existing AI systems are inherently biased, reflecting only the values of their developers in China and the West, while leaving Africa as a passive consumer of the technology.

Speaking at the Artificial Intelligence Summit for Africa 2025 in Harare, Mutambara said Africa risks being sidelined in the global AI revolution unless it begins developing its own systems.

"Things are not neutral," he said. "That is why we must train our young people to create AI systems that embed our own values. The Chinese and the Western are bowlers and short callers in the AI revolution. You and I are passengers. These are the people who are creating the AI systems we are using."

Mutambara stressed that Africa's heavy reliance on imported AI technologies exposes the continent to cultural, ethical, and strategic biases that may not align with its values and priorities.

Currently, the global AI landscape is dominated by Chinese and American platforms such as DeepSeek, Alibaba, ChatGPT, and Grok, leaving Africa struggling to establish a foothold. The AI Summit seeks to spark dialogue on how the continent can move from being a consumer to an active player in shaping AI technologies that address African realities.
- newsday

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