By: Nur El-Mahrakawy & Alia Shaddad

The MENA Observatory on Responsible AI is eager to announce that it will be co-hosting a webinar series in partnership with the African Observatory on Responsible AI. The first webinar, "Responsible AI in the Global South: Narratives from the Middle East & Africa," took place on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 4:30-6:00 PM (Cairo). This session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Nagla Rizk, Professor of Economics and Founding Director of A2K4D at the American University in Cairo, and Dr. Rachel Adams, Founder and CEO of the Global Centre on AI Governance. Commentators included Golestan Sally Radwan, AI and emerging technologies expert, Mr. Tonee Ndungu, Executive Director at The Kytabu Foundation, and Mr. Fargani Tambeayuk, Director of Public Policy, Francophone Africa, and Head of Connectivity and Innovation Policy, Africa at Meta.

The "Responsible AI in the Global South: Narratives from the Middle East & Africa” webinar explored responsible AI from Middle Eastern and African perspectives. These regions are rich with unique social, cultural, and economic contexts that shape how AI technologies impact local communities. By focusing on nuanced, context-specific approaches, we can ensure that AI solutions are tailored to meet local needs and address specific challenges. Additionally, the webinar aimed to foster cross-regional collaboration, which is critical for the exchange of valuable insights and best practices, promoting resilience in AI development and governance in the region. Finally, the webinar’s regional focus aimed to amplify the voices of local knowledge holders who often possess a deeper understanding of their communities and can provide critical perspectives often overlooked in mainstream AI discourse. Indeed, by bringing African and Middle Eastern perspectives into the conversation, we can create more inclusive and equitable AI systems that reflect the values and needs of local communities, not just those in the Global North.

At the outset of the webinar, Dr. Rizk stressed the importance of making AI inclusive to ensure that diverse perspectives are included. She noted that this practice will lead to fair and ethical AI systems. By involving various stakeholders, including marginalized communities, she argued that we can develop AI technologies that benefit all, address regional challenges, and promote social justice. In her closing remarks on the role of the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI, Dr. Rizk stated, “For me, the MENA Observatory is for everyone! Our mission is to inform and influence policy makers, connect communities, promote responsible AI, and empower local narratives.”

Following Dr. Rizk’s speech, Dr. Rachel Adams highlighted the critical work of the African Observatory on Responsible AI, emphasizing its focus on continental strategies that prioritize worker and environmental rights. Discussions in the webinar pointed to the fact that Africa can position itself as a pioneer in AI deployment, but that it must balance this process by mitigating the potential negative impacts of AI in a continent that is susceptible to high unemployment rates. Indeed, Africa faces unique challenges such as economic inequality, labor rights issues, and environmental concerns that require AI strategies that address these challenges and foster sustainable development.

During the webinar, Dr. Sally Radwan also highlighted a crucial point: “We need to agree on a definition of ethical and responsible AI so we know what to track and observe." She argued that establishing a clear definition of “ethical AI” is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a common framework for assessing and comparing AI systems, ensuring consistency in evaluation practices. Second, it helps to identify the ethical standards and principles, both globally and locally, that AI technologies should adhere to, such as fairness, transparency, and accountability. By agreeing on what constitutes “ethical AI”, we can better track progress, address shortcomings, and promote technologies that align with our shared values and goals.

Elaborating on this particular point, Tonee Ndungu stressed the need to balance AI governance with the need to create an ecosystem that prioritizes innovation. He said, “As a builder, I believe that we need to experiment in agri-tech, fin-tech, edu-tech. The same goes for AI governance so regulation does not stifle innovation.”

Another critical insight was underscored by Fargani Tambeayuk who stated that, “Collaboration is key to ensuring AI governance is robust and reflects the needs of our societies.” He argued that collaborative efforts are critical because AI impacts a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and individuals, making it crucial to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise. Secondly, collaborative approaches empower societies to create comprehensive policies that address the unique challenges and opportunities that shape their ecosystem and align AI systems with local societal values and ethical standards. This collective effort leads to more robust and inclusive AI governance frameworks that better serve and protect all members of society.

In conclusion, the "Responsible AI in the Global South: Narratives from the Middle East & Africa" webinar served to underscore the vital need for context-specific approaches and inclusive strategies in AI development. By fostering collaboration and amplifying local voices, the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI and the African Observatory on Responsible AI aim to promote the adoption of AI systems that are ethical, equitable, and beneficial for all. The insights shared by experts highlight the importance of integrating diverse perspectives to ensure AI technologies align with societal values and address regional challenges.

Check out the full webinar recording on YouTube!

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The MENA Observatory on Responsible AI is a locally-driven platform aiming to make key contributions to global narratives on responsible data and AI. In February 2024, the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI was launched by the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at AUC, in partnership with the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at Birzeit University in Palestine, supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. The MENA Observatory serves as a regional hub championing MENA voices, providing varied resources in both English and Arabic, and fostering a collaborative network of AI researchers, legal experts and advocates, policy-makers, civil society, and the general public.

Established in 2022, the African Observatory on Responsible Artificial Intelligence promotes African voices, experiences, and value systems in global debates on responsible AI. Scholars in the social sciences and humanities stress that an ‘African’ perspective of AI ethics is crucial to ensure that the development and adoption of these technologies benefit, rather than harm, African societies and ways of living. The African Observatory focuses on inclusive and responsible AI governance, particularly relating to Africa’s colonial history and diverse democratic, constitutional, and legal accountability mechanisms. It operates under the Global Center on AI Governance, which aims to advance local insights for global impact on equitable AI governance through knowledge production and exchange.