Makerere University Artificial Intelligence for Development Research Lab

African countries continue to face significant disparities in key human development indicators in areas like wellbeing, education, health and economic security. At the same time, the continent is experiencing a surge in the use of digital technologies such as smartphones and other data-driven devices, leading to a growing accumulation of electronic data related to health, agriculture, climate, social dynamics and governance, among other fields. The explosion of data presents a compelling opportunity to tackle Africa's challenges through data-informed solutions. Specifically, there is significant potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to innovations that can be exploited to improve Africa's development in several ways. However, there are capacity weaknesses among innovators and universities, undermining Africa’s capacity to optimally harness the emerging opportunity.

This project aims to establish the Makerere University Artificial Intelligence for Development Research Lab and position it as a multidisciplinary centre of excellence and a thought leader in responsible AI for development in Africa. It will support research and capacity building in the development and deployment of responsible AI to tackle challenges in priority development sectors in Uganda such as health, agriculture, climate and natural language processing. It will also contribute to the strengthening of a network of AI research and capacity-building labs in Africa.

This project is 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 and use in Africa. The vision of the partnership is to support an inclusive, responsible AI ecosystem that improves quality of life for all in Africa and beyond.