“It has to touch the lives of people”: the Gates Foundation’s challenge to Africa’s AI builders

Uche Amaonwu, the Gates Foundation's director for Nigeria, urged African artificial intelligence developers to focus on enhancing healthcare, education, and income levels, rather than simply launching products. He emphasized that AI's impact hinges on deliberate decisions regarding its development, financing, and deployment. During a speech at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos, Amaonwu challenged technology creators and investors to move promising AI tools from trials into the hands of institutions and communities that will use them.

He referenced the foundation's Goalkeepers report on AI and equity, which presented both an exciting and cautionary message. Amaonwu argued that AI could potentially serve as a significant equalizer, but only if developed and employed deliberately. His vision for AI's role is based on three objectives: reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, safeguarding the next generation from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.

He highlighted the importance of sustained adoption, which necessitates shared infrastructure, culturally relevant tools, earned trust, and clear pathways to adoption and payment. Amaonwu stressed that governments, investors, and technology companies must collaborate to create the future AI will build.