Africa at the Forefront of Inclusive AI Development: Interview with Dr. Georgina Curto
Dr. Georgina Curto, Senior Researcher and Team Lead at the United Nations University Institute in Macau, discusses the growing role of Africa in shaping inclusive and socially responsible artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In her interview, based on her Nature Africa article Africa Leading the Global Effort for AI That Works for All, she highlights how grassroots innovation ecosystems across the continent are redefining AI development through local needs and priorities.
Dr. Curto emphasizes that African-led initiatives, such as the Deep Learning Indaba, are playing a crucial role in building technical capacity, nurturing local talent, and strengthening research communities. These efforts are helping to apply AI solutions to pressing challenges in healthcare, financial inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring that technology is more relevant and accessible to local populations.
The interview, conducted by communications fellow Carmen Che at UNU Macau, also explores the importance of equitable and two-way global collaboration in the future of AI development. Dr. Curto notes that Africa’s growing leadership in AI offers valuable lessons for designing innovation systems that prioritize human well-being, ethics, and inclusivity over purely technical benchmarks.
She further stresses that moving beyond traditional measures of technological progress is essential for creating AI systems that genuinely serve society. As African researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities take on more leadership roles, they are helping to shape a more balanced and inclusive global AI ecosystem.
