On photo L-R front row: Prof. Susan Brigham, Prof. Modimowabarwa Kanyane, Ms Kay-Ann Scott, Prof Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, and Prof Rachel Tsakani Lebese L-R back row: Prof Lufuno Makhado, Dr George Frempong, Mr Randy Headley, Prof Tshilidzi Mercy Mulaudzi, and Dr Thingahangwi Cecilia Masutha
The 2024 Ubuntu Africentric Conference, a global gathering, was held at the Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park from 26-28 September 2024. This significant event explored how African philosophies, particularly Ubuntu, can guide the ethical development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). Organised by the University of Venda (UNIVEN) in partnership with the University of Pretoria (UP) and the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI), the summit’s theme, “AI for the People: An Ubuntu Approach to Transforming Health, Education, and Economic Landscapes,” attracted educators, technologists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and social scientists from all corners of the globe.
Dr George Frempong, Director of Research at DBDLI, emphasised the importance of aligning AI systems with Ubuntu ideals by promoting diversity, human dignity, and mutual care.
He discussed the development of Ubuntu-aligned GPT models, such as the ChatGPT – Ubuntu Re-search Guide, designed to integrate Ubuntu values into AI technology. Dr Frempong stressed that AI should advance technological capabilities, respect humanity, and ensure inclusivity.
Throughout the conference, various breakout sessions addressed AI’s awe-inspiring, transforma-tive potential when grounded in Ubuntu principles. Topics ranged from AI in healthcare and hu-man collaboration to education and economic empowerment. Experts like Prof Mulondo Seani Adreana, Prof Sepeng Nnombulelo, Ms Nyandeni Sinothemba, and Ms Scott Kay-Ann led discus-sions on how AI can serve as a revolutionary tool to uplift communities while adhering to the values of equity and connection.
Dr Blackwood’s presentation explored how AI can help bridge cultural and linguistic divides, high-lighting innovations like LelapaAI, a tool designed to reduce language barriers across Africa. Prof Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), urged African nations to lead in shaping AI’s future, urging Africa’s youth to prepare them with the necessary technological skills to avoid being left behind in the AI revolution.
Prof Vukosi Marivate, Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria, focused on the challenges of developing AI systems for African languages, many of which are low-resource languages. He advocated for community-led efforts to ensure that Africa’s linguistic heritage is included in AI de-velopment, preventing the marginalisation of African cultures in the global AI landscape.
Cultural festivities added a special touch to the summit, with a traditional Boma Dinner featuring marimba performances. The Ubuntu Living Legend Awards honoured Prof Racheal Lebese, Prof Fhulufhelo Mavis Mulaudzi, and Ms Nkhensani Khosa for their contributions to Ubuntu. Guest speaker Prof Modimowabarwa Kanyane, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law (FMCL) highlighted the significance of colours in Ubuntu, saying, “Green represents heal-ing, health and fertility, while red symbolises, passion, courage, creativity and strength.” This in-sightful lecture set the tone for the evening, with Prof Tshilidzi Mercy Mulaudzi and Prof Jabulani Makhubele also in attendance.
Student debates on the pros and cons of AI further engaged participants, showcasing the potential of Africa’s youth in shaping the future of AI. The conference highlighted the need for continued collaboration between African institutions and the global AI community to ensure that AI develop-ment remains human-centred and inclusive.
In closing, Prof Lufuno Makhado, the conference chair, indicated, “The conference has been a plat-form for exchanging groundbreaking ideas and a testament to the power of community, collabora-tion, and shared humanity. We have explored how AI, grounded in Ubuntu’s wisdom,can serve as a powerful tool for equity, justice, and empowerment, focusing on ensuring that tech-nology uplifts rather than divides and serves humanity rather than undermines it.”
The organising committee for the Ubuntu Africentric AI Summit featured a diverse team of ex-perts from various institutions. Led by Prof Lufuno Makhado as Conference Chair (UNIVEN), and co-chaired by Mr Randy Headley (DBDLI) and Prof Fhumulani Mercy Mulaudzi (UP), the committee included members from UNIVEN, the University of Pretoria, and the DBDLI. Other notable mem-bers included Dr Thingahangwi Cecilia Masutha, Prof Tshilidzi Mercy Mulaudzi, and Ms Sylvia Parris, ensuring a collaborative and well-coordinated event.
L-R: Prof Leepile Sehularo, Ms Olebogeng Tladi, Dr Shonisani Tshivhase, Dr Bumani Solomon Manganye, and Prof Lufuno Makhado
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University of Venda
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