THE RACE FOR AI SUPREMACY

 Sonny Iroche contends that the race for supremacy is not just about technological advancement but about ethical considerations and sustainable development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the modern world, revolutionizing industries and reshaping economies. In the fast-evolving landscape of AI the leading nations such as the USA and China, have spearheaded a revolution in AI and positioned themselves as superpowers in the race for AI supremacy in this technological domain, with advancements in AI adoption closely tied to a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Following the USA and China, countries like the UK, the State of Israel, and the European Union have also made significant strides in AI development. The regulation of AI has become a crucial aspect in most leading countries to ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment.

The development of AI technologies by giant tech companies has propelled the industry into a trillion-dollar economy, marking a significant milestone akin to the discoveries of electricity, fire, and the internet. However, the success of AI requires substantial investment and robust infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and water supply, which are often lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa.

The race for AI supremacy among leading economies could be traced to the era of the dot coms, gaining momentum with the introduction of groundbreaking AI models like ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022. Since then, tech companies have been producing a plethora of AI models that have had a profound impact on global technological advancement. And investing billions of dollars in research and innovation, as a result of what some observers call FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

One of the greatest concerns amongst some African intellectuals in the AI race and development, is the place and capacity of Africa in AI readiness. Nigeria, with its recent National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Initiative (NAIS), in April 2024, has demonstrated leadership and a newfound commitment to establishing itself as a leader in AI on the African continent.

The NAIS brought together Nigerian AI experts, researchers, tech companies and enthusiasts from around the world to collaborate in Abuja, the capital city, to develop a comprehensive roadmap and framework for AI implementation in the country. Notably, international tech giant companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta also participated in the four-day strategy session. The strategy session was facilitated by esteemed institutions like the Lagos Business School and Data Science Nigeria, under the guidance of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The breakout sessions during the NAIS covered crucial areas such as Research & Innovation, Infrastructure, and International collaborations, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI for driving innovation and sustainable development across various sectors.

The USA and China have been frontrunners in the global AI race, with both countries investing heavily in AI research and development to maintain their competitive edge. The USA, home to tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, has been at the forefront of AI innovation, particularly in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems. China, on the other hand, with companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei leading the charge, has made significant strides in AI applications, particularly in areas like facial recognition, e-commerce, and smart cities.

The UK, Israel, and the European Union have also emerged as key players in the global AI landscape, with a focus on fostering AI talent, encouraging innovation, and setting ethical standards for AI deployment. The UK, known for its strong research ecosystem at the University of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and other institutions, and supportive regulatory environment, has been a hub for AI startups and academic research in areas like healthcare, finance, and transportation. Israel, with its thriving startup culture and government support for AI initiatives, has excelled in AI technologies related to cybersecurity, agriculture, and defense. The European Union, through initiatives like the European AI Strategy and the AI Act, aims to promote trustworthy AI that respects fundamental rights and values.

In contrast, many African countries, including Nigeria, are still in the nascent stages of AI adoption and development. The lack of infrastructure, funding, and skilled workforce poses challenges to harnessing the full potential of AI for economic growth and societal development. However, initiatives like the NAIS in Nigeria signal a shift towards prioritizing AI as a strategic tool for innovation and progress.

As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, collaboration and knowledge sharing among nations will be vital for addressing common challenges and leveraging AI for the collective good. The race for AI supremacy is not just about technological advancement but also about ethical considerations, inclusivity, and sustainable development. By fostering a culture of innovation, investing in AI research and talent development, and establishing ethical guidelines for AI deployment, countries can harness the power of AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and Climate Change, and the fight against insecurity, create a more prosperous and equitable future for the human race. 

 Iroche is of Post Graduate Studies. Artificial Intelligence for Business.

Saïd Business School. University of Oxford. UK