RobotsMali AI4D Lab

 

Responsible artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to accelerate the transformation of Francophone countries in the Sahel region, but research and innovation capacity in this region is very weak compared to Anglophone African countries. Among the many challenges research institutions confront in the region is the basic one of language. Knowledge of English among students is very rare and constitutes a formidable barrier to developing competence in AI.

The RobotsMali AI4D Lab seeks to build capacity within both public and private sectors to conduct local, relevant and multidisciplinary research aimed at contributing to the social and economic development of the region. The lab is a collaborative research hub and nexus of the major public universities of Mali, private universities, government, social organizations and industry. The lab will support multidisciplinary teams to research interventions that can improve educational outcomes and literacy, contribute to the enhancement of AI teaching and research capabilities in Francophone institutions of higher learning, and incubate AI-powered startups. The activities of the lab will revolve around the pillars of community-building and skill development, scientific rigour, commitment to ethical and responsible practices, gender equality and inclusion.

This project is a part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, a five-year partnership between IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support policy, innovations and expanded leadership to spur safe and responsible AI development in Africa. The vision of the new partnership is to support an inclusive, responsible AI ecosystem that improves quality of life for all in Africa and beyond.