December 15, 2024

African AI Experts Advocate for Ethical Standards and Locally Relevant Machine Learning Solutions

Ibrahim Musa / December 15, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) researchers across Africa are stepping forward to demand a more ethical, inclusive, and locally adapted approach to AI development. As advanced technologies continue to transform industries worldwide, experts on the continent argue that African societies cannot remain passive consumers of imported algorithms and data models. Instead, they are calling for the creation of machine learning systems that reflect the continent’s cultural diversity, address unique social challenges, and promote long-term digital sovereignty.

From Nairobi to Lagos and Cape Town to Accra, AI practitioners are raising concerns about bias in datasets, language exclusion, and the lack of African representation in the global AI ecosystem. They emphasize that algorithms developed in foreign contexts often fail to deliver equitable results when deployed in Africa, where socioeconomic realities, infrastructure limitations, and linguistic diversity demand unique solutions.

Bias and Exclusion Pose Risks in Imported AI Systems

One major issue African researchers highlight is algorithmic bias—when AI systems trained on datasets from Europe or North America produce inaccurate or unfair outcomes in African contexts. These biases are especially problematic in facial recognition software, predictive policing, healthcare diagnostics, and natural language processing.

For instance, language models often overlook the hundreds of African languages spoken across the continent, rendering AI tools less effective or even unusable in local communities. “When machine learning systems can’t recognize your language or facial features, they automatically marginalize your existence,” said Dr. Aisha Boubacar, an AI ethics researcher based in Senegal.

This lack of inclusivity not only widens the digital divide but also reinforces global technological inequalities, where African users are at the mercy of systems built with foreign priorities in mind.

Local Solutions for Local Problems

In response, African innovators are building their own datasets, developing open-source tools, and creating AI applications designed specifically for the continent’s realities. Startups and research centers are applying AI to solve local problems—like predicting crop failures, detecting diseases in under-resourced medical systems, and translating health information into indigenous languages.

Institutions such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Data Science Nigeria, and the Deep Learning Indaba network are nurturing local talent while promoting ethical frameworks tailored to African values. These organizations emphasize the importance of community participation, transparency, and accountability in building trustworthy AI.

The Call for African AI Ethics Frameworks

In addition to technological advancement, African researchers are pushing for a continent-wide ethical framework for AI development. Such a framework would outline principles around data privacy, consent, fairness, and inclusivity—values that are critical to building trust in AI systems.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi, a Nigerian computer scientist, argued that “Africa must not just follow global standards but define its own ethical principles based on our social fabric and communal values.” Experts advocate for regulatory bodies to support responsible innovation and prevent the misuse of AI in surveillance, disinformation, and labor exploitation.

Collaboration Over Colonialism

While international partnerships can provide resources and expertise, African scholars warn against “technological colonialism,” where foreign firms extract data from the continent without local oversight or benefit. They urge more equitable collaboration models where African researchers lead or co-lead projects and retain ownership of outcomes.

Furthermore, initiatives like the Lacuna Fund and Mozilla Africa Innovation Challenge are funding efforts to create inclusive AI training data, promote digital rights, and uplift local voices in AI governance.

Toward an Equitable AI Future

With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, and with a growing number of youth entering tech, the continent has a critical opportunity to shape its digital destiny. African AI researchers are not just participating in the global conversation—they are actively reshaping it.

Their message is clear: the future of artificial intelligence must be fair, transparent, and deeply rooted in the realities of the communities it aims to serve. Through ethical practices, inclusive data, and homegrown innovation, African AI can become a powerful force for sustainable development.

News, Travel

Culturati Festival 2024 Unites Lagos Youth Around Art, Innovation, and African Heritage

Nonso Nwachukwu / December 15, 2024

In a spirited celebration of African identity and youth-driven innovation, the 18th edition of the Culturati Festival held in Lagos once again lived up to its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant platforms for cultural expression, creative enterprise, and intergenerational dialogue. Drawing thousands of young creatives, cultural enthusiasts, business leaders, and heritage advocates, the 2024 festival blended artistry, entrepreneurship, and tradition to ignite a renewed sense of pride in African roots.

Held over several days in the heart of Lagos, the Culturati Festival was more than just a display of culture—it was a statement of purpose. This year’s edition emphasized the critical role of young people in preserving African heritage while using modern tools and platforms to reinterpret tradition in fresh, innovative ways.

A Melting Pot of Culture and Creativity

Themed “Preserve the Culture, Inspire the Future,” the festival transformed Lagos into a cultural epicenter, featuring live performances, art installations, panel discussions, fashion showcases, craft markets, culinary exhibitions, and entrepreneurship masterclasses. At the center of the event was the goal of using culture as a vehicle for youth empowerment and economic transformation.

From spoken word poetry echoing ancient folklore to digital art exhibitions reimagining African spirituality through augmented reality, every aspect of Culturati 2024 reinforced the festival’s mission: celebrating Africa’s past while preparing youth to define its future.

The main venue, which included open-air stages, tents, pavilions, and art corridors, became a beehive of activity, welcoming attendees from across Nigeria, neighboring West African countries, and members of the African diaspora.

Spotlight on Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A unique feature of the 2024 Culturati Festival was its intensified focus on youth entrepreneurship in the creative sector. With Nigeria’s youth population making up over 60% of the country, organizers recognized the immense opportunity to harness creativity for economic progress.

Throughout the festival, young innovators pitched ideas in music tech, fashion design, heritage tourism, animation, and content creation. Several startup founders shared success stories of building businesses rooted in African culture—from sustainable fashion brands inspired by indigenous fabrics to mobile apps that teach native languages through gamified lessons.

The Culturati Enterprise Hub, a dedicated zone within the festival, hosted mentorship clinics, funding sessions, and pitch competitions supported by venture capitalists, cultural institutions, and government agencies. Winners received seed grants, incubation opportunities, and access to a global network of Afrocentric investors.

According to the festival’s founder and cultural advocate, Idris Aregbe, Culturati has evolved into a “cultural economy engine.” In his words, “We must go beyond cultural preservation. We must commercialize our heritage responsibly. Our youths can create jobs, attract global audiences, and influence the world through their roots. Culturati exists to make that possible.”

Celebrating African Heritage Through Diverse Art Forms

A major attraction of the 2024 edition was its curated exhibitions showcasing the diversity of African art, from traditional sculptures to modern installations. Attendees marveled at murals that celebrated African women as cultural matriarchs, intricate beadwork that told stories of kingdoms past, and digital reinterpretations of historic proverbs.

The festival’s art village offered masterclasses in traditional crafts such as pottery, adire (tie and dye), bronze casting, and wood carving, led by elderly artisans who passed down knowledge to eager young learners. These intergenerational encounters became powerful moments of connection, reminding participants that tradition thrives when it is shared.

One highlight of the festival was the “Voices of the Ancestors” fashion parade, where designers reimagined historical clothing styles with a contemporary twist. Models wore garments made from hand-woven fabrics, styled with modern accessories, blending past and present in ways that sparked both admiration and reflection.

Dance troupes from across Nigeria and West Africa dazzled audiences with performances that paid tribute to various ethnic identities—from Yoruba bata and Igbo egwu dances to Fulani calabash rhythms and Ghanaian kente processions. These cultural showcases emphasized the unifying power of Africa’s diverse traditions.

Educational Forums and Cultural Advocacy

Beyond the entertainment and artistry, the Culturati Festival also offered intellectual and educational content through a series of thought-provoking panel discussions and public lectures. Experts, scholars, and activists explored critical themes including the decolonization of African art, digital storytelling, language preservation, cultural appropriation, and the role of policy in supporting creative industries.

Notably, a youth-led panel on “Preserving Culture in a Globalized World” drew wide engagement. Participants discussed how globalization and Western influences impact African identity and debated solutions to keep indigenous traditions alive—through education, technology, and intentional cultural programming.

The festival also partnered with schools and universities in Lagos, bringing in hundreds of students for guided tours and workshops. Educational institutions were encouraged to integrate cultural studies into their curricula and promote local language instruction.

Diaspora Participation and Pan-African Unity

Culturati 2024 welcomed guests from across the African diaspora, many of whom traveled from the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. These international attendees participated in cultural exchange activities, shared stories of their heritage journeys, and expressed gratitude for platforms that connect them back to their roots.

In a moving moment during the opening ceremony, a Brazilian Afro-descendant delegation presented a Yoruba-language poem in honor of their ancestral lineage. The performance was met with tears and applause, serving as a reminder that Africa’s influence stretches far and wide—and that reconnection is both possible and powerful.

Discussions also explored how African nations can collaborate on transcontinental cultural projects, creative funding mechanisms, and joint policies to promote Afrocentric content globally. The festival reiterated its long-standing call for stronger pan-African networks that go beyond politics and economics to embrace shared identity.

Government and Stakeholder Involvement

The Lagos State Government expressed support for Culturati’s long-term goals, with officials reaffirming the state’s commitment to investing in cultural infrastructure, arts education, and creative industries. Representatives from the Ministries of Tourism, Youth and Sports, and Arts and Culture were present and engaged in youth policy roundtables.

International bodies including UNESCO, the African Union Cultural Commission, and ECOWAS also sent representatives, signaling the growing recognition of Culturati as a platform for continental dialogue and development.

Private sector sponsors, including media houses, banks, telecommunications firms, and fashion brands, provided funding and promotional support, further demonstrating the value of aligning culture with commerce.

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Cultural Movement

The 18th edition of the Culturati Festival did more than entertain—it inspired, educated, and mobilized. It reasserted the power of youth as custodians of culture, innovators of enterprise, and architects of a vibrant African future.

As the festival concluded, participants carried with them a deeper sense of identity and purpose. For many young Nigerians and Africans in attendance, Culturati was not just an event—it was a movement. One that dares to ask: What if the future of Africa lies in its past?

With its successful blend of tradition and innovation, the Culturati Festival continues to set a high bar for cultural programming in Africa and offers a template for how the continent can celebrate its legacy while building toward progress.

Feature, News, Politics

Nigeria: Human Rights and Security Challenges in 2023–2024

Amarachi Nwosu / December 15, 2024

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, won Nigeria’s hotly contested February 2023 presidential election. However, the polls were marred by widespread logistical issues and violence. Despite calls for accountability and reform, election-related abuses persisted. According to the Center for Democracy and Development, at least 109 people were killed in election-related incidents. Armed political thugs attacked voters and disrupted polls, particularly in battleground states like Lagos, while security forces largely failed to intervene.

Escalating Insecurity Across the Country
Multiple armed groups continue to endanger lives across Nigeria. In the Northwest, criminal gangs known as “bandits” commit mass killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence. In Katsina State, over 100 people died in a February clash between bandits and vigilantes. In Zamfara, 80 women and children were abducted in April. A disturbing video later showed four kidnapped college students pleading for ransom to avoid being forced into marriage.

In the Northcentral region, long-running farmer-herder conflicts continue, driven by competition over land and worsened by ethnic and religious tensions. Over 100 people were killed in Plateau State in May in retaliatory violence.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
A March report from the International Organization for Migration recorded over 1.19 million internally displaced people in the Northcentral and Northwest regions, spread across more than 190,000 households.

Insurgency in the Northeast
The Boko Haram conflict, especially involving the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has seen a resurgence. In Borno State, attacks in March and June killed dozens, including farmers and fishermen. ISWAP has banned agricultural activities in some areas, accusing locals of collaborating with the military.

Separatist Agitations in the Southeast
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continue their separatist campaign, despite the Court of Appeal dropping terrorism charges against their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The federal government, however, has kept him in custody. Although IPOB claims to have suspended its weekly “sit-at-home” order, violence persists against citizens defying it. In Enugu, banks and shops were sealed for allegedly complying with the order.

Abuses by Security Forces
Security forces remain implicated in severe human rights violations. In January, a mistaken military airstrike in Nasarawa killed 39 civilians. Since 2017, over 300 people have died in such “accidental” airstrikes. A promised investigation from 2022 has yielded no results. In July, anti-police brutality protests erupted in Anambra after Chidubem Ezenwa died in custody following alleged beatings.

Justice and Accountability
Investigations into serious crimes have stalled. The National Human Rights Commission has yet to release findings from a probe into forced abortions in the Northeast. Domestic trials for Boko Haram suspects remain delayed since 2018. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is still assessing whether to open a formal investigation into atrocities in Nigeria.

Freedom of Expression and Media
Courts ruled in May that the National Broadcasting Commission lacks authority to fine media outlets, following a 5 million naira fine on Channels TV. While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, blasphemy laws remain in place. In Sokoto, a mob killed a man for alleged blasphemy in June.

Economic Hardship and Inequality
President Tinubu eliminated the petrol subsidy in May, triggering sharp increases in fuel and food prices. With no safety nets in place, millions plunged deeper into poverty. Nigeria’s economy continues to suffer from oil spills, gas flaring, and environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta.

In August, Tinubu announced a $650 million relief package aimed at reviewing the minimum wage, supporting small businesses, and purchasing gas-powered buses.

LGBTQ+ Rights Violations
In Delta State, dozens were arrested for allegedly attending a gay wedding. The police publicly paraded the suspects, violating their rights to dignity and a fair trial. Similar arrests occurred in Gombe State at a birthday party. Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act criminalizes same-sex unions and public same-sex relationships, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

A 2016 Human Rights Watch report noted that, despite few formal prosecutions under the law, it has led to increased harassment and abuse of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Women remain significantly underrepresented in politics. Only 20 of 469 federal legislative seats are held by women—down from 21 previously. Although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they hold just 6.7% of public office positions. Cultural, legal, and religious barriers continue to hinder women’s participation and access to education and healthcare. Nigeria also continues to report high rates of maternal mortality and child marriage.

Rights of People with Disabilities
In January 2023, Nigeria passed a new Mental Health Act, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act. The new law bans chaining and promotes community-based care. However, involuntary treatment and other coercive practices are still permitted. Thousands with mental health conditions remain chained or confined in traditional healing centers, state-run institutions, and even hospitals.

Elderly Rights
A July UN report highlighted serious concerns about the rights of older Nigerians. Many live in poverty, face age-based discrimination, and lack adequate healthcare or support. Women and LGBTQ+ elders are particularly vulnerable to violence and neglect.

Foreign Policy
Nigeria condemned the military coup in neighboring Niger in July. As ECOWAS chair, President Tinubu led diplomatic efforts demanding the restoration of democracy. Though ECOWAS issued threats of military intervention, they were not acted upon.