AI Frontier: Morocco's UM6P Poised to Host Pivotal Forum on Artificial Intelligence's Transformative Potential in Africa

In a trailblazing move, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is preparing to host a high-level forum that promises to chart the course for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa. From June 3 to 5, the prestigious Ai Movement research center, located within the UM6P campus in Sale, will become the epicenter of discourse on the transformative power of AI across the continent.

This avant-garde gathering follows GITEX Africa, a prestigious technology exhibition held from March 29 to 31, amplifying the momentum of Africa's digital renaissance. As the world stands on the brink of an AI-driven revolution, this forum seeks to unlock the continent's potential to harness cutting-edge technologies, positioning Africa at the forefront of the 21st century's technological journey.

In a resounding statement, UM6P underscored the profound impact of AI on both personal and professional spheres, asserting, "The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with sophisticated applications and autonomous machines taking over some human activities, is having a profound impact on our personal and professional lives and on societies across the globe."

Recognizing Africa's ambition to leverage these emerging technologies, the university declared, "Africa has the ambition to harness the potential offered by emerging technologies, including AI, to transform the continent and make the 21st century Africa's century."

This transformation, however, demands a delicate balance between innovation and regulation. As UM6P astutely noted, "The pre-eminent issue is how to protect citizens, democracies, and people's wellbeing and ensure fair markets while allowing emerging technologies and local businesses to flourish."

Through this pivotal forum, UM6P aims to tackle multiple objectives, ranging from discussing AI strategies and policies to fostering dialogues on AI governance tailored to African communities. Furthermore, the event will catalyze capacity-building initiatives across various sectors, empowering the public sector, judiciary, legislative bodies, and marginalized groups such as youth and women.

UM6P acknowledged the contrasting perspectives on AI's potential, stating, "While some see AI as a revolutionary technology that will change and improve people's lives, others focus more on its transformative potential for the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as its impact on competitiveness and productivity in the global economy over the next years and decades."

In a compelling observation, the university emphasized the need for governments to evolve in tandem with technology, establishing and enforcing rules that safeguard the public from potential negative effects while harnessing AI-enabled solutions for inclusive development, social wellbeing, and economic prosperity.

The forum's crowning moment will be the signing of a tripartite agreement between UNESCO, the Moroccan government, and Ai Movement. This landmark accord will establish Ai Movement as a UNESCO Category 2 Center, a regional hub for AI research, development, governance, capacity building, and collaborations across Africa.

In a recent interview with TV5Monde's Le Journal Afrique, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Executive President of Ai Movement, highlighted the significance of this designation. "This gives us recognition from all states for the level of excellence of this center. It also means that we have, in our DNA, concerns that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, since we are going to develop a trustworthy, ethical, and responsible AI that will solve societal problems," Seghrouchni affirmed.

As Africa stands poised to embrace the AI revolution, this high-level forum at UM6P promises to be a turning point, propelling the continent towards a future where cutting-edge technologies and responsible governance converge, paving the way for sustainable growth and boundless possibilities.