In a bid to transform Malawi into a self-reliant nation, information technology expert Bram Fudzulani is advocating for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across vital sectors such as education, health, and agriculture.
Fudzulani highlights the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for AI, which aligns with the National Digitalisation Policy.
The collaborative efforts between Malawi and the World Bank embodied in the National Digitilisation Policy, aim to drive the nation’s digital transformation.
This involves harnessing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to boost economic growth, foster innovation, create job opportunities, and improve service accessibility.
“Malawians are progressively adopting AI. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health effectively utilised AI for data collection, and we foresee similar applications in agriculture and education,” Fudzulani revealed.
Aligned with this technological wave, the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is gearing up to host an AI Online Demonstration Day on February 9, 2024.
This event is designed to showcase locally developed AI products.
Fudzulani expresses optimism that the government will recognize and support exceptional AI innovations for the benefit of the Malawian population.
“These ICT expos inspire the tech community to explore new horizons. Once absorbed, the government is likely to extend its support,” he affirmed.
Isaac Chingota, Chief Technology Transfer Officer at NCST, reiterated their commitment to assisting developers.
“As a state-funded entity dedicated to advancing sciences, we will provide financial support on this day. Lack of sponsorship often impedes talented producers from breaking into the market,” Chingota emphasized.
Previously, Address Malata, the Vice-Chancellor for Malawi University of Science and Technology, disclosed that the university is strategically aligning AI initiatives with various development agendas, including Malawi 2063.
In simpler terms, Artificial Intelligence grants machines the ability to learn and make decisions, resembling human cognition but in a more sophisticated manner.
Reported by Romeo Umali.
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