For artificial intelligence (AI) to become a tool for economic empowerment without worsening existing inequalities, various ethical considerations around AI must be addressed.
This is according to Evans Mohlatlole, a lecturer in the subject group Social Work at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.
Evens, who is also the acting deputy director of the School of Psychosocial Health, won the Best Oral Presenter Award at the 2024 Ubuntu Africentric Conference.
Held at the Kruger National Park from 26 to 28 September, the conference was jointly hosted by the University of Venda, the University of Pretoria and the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute in Canada.
Themed "AI for the people: An Ubuntu approach to transforming health, education and economic landscapes", the conference showcased innovative research on how AI is shaping the future of Africa.
African communities must benefit from technological advancements
Evans's presentation on AI and economic empowerment in Africa identified emerging trends and opportunities in AI and analysed the role of technology in promoting economic empowerment across African nations.
He highlighted how AI innovations are influencing financial inclusion, agricultural productivity, small business support and skills development.
Based on his research on synthesised data from academic databases and organisational repositories, covering publications from 2010 to 2024, Evans discussed the responsibility of social work professionals and educators to ensure that technological advancements benefit African communities.
“We cannot view AI as separate from the social challenges we face. Our role as educators and professionals is to make sure these technologies are used to address real-world issues in our communities,” he said.
A key aspect of his presentation was the focus on ethical considerations related to AI, particularly in the African context. Drawing from his background in psychosocial health, he examined the implications of data privacy, algorithmic bias and technological accessibility. Evans argued that these issues must be addressed to ensure that AI can be a tool for economic empowerment without exacerbating existing inequalities.
His presentation stood out for its human-centred approach, combining his expertise in social work with the technical aspects of AI. This ability to link technological innovations with social and economic realities contributed to his recognition at the conference.
Evans’s research emphasises the importance of creating AI solutions that are not only innovative, but also socially responsible and aligned with the needs of African communities.
Evans Mohlatlole.
