Artificial intelligence can provide opportunities for young unemployed people, provided that the practices of multinationals are regulated to prevent abuses.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the development of computer software that performs complex tasks without human intervention. And AI is at the heart of a technological revolution that is currently underway.
African-style Silicon Valley
In Africa, more and more start-ups are specialising in artificial intelligence and offering their services to multinationals. This new growth sector represents a chance for many young Africans to find work, but some experts fear exploitation of low-paid workers. Our DW colleague Simone Schlindwein visited the Sama company in Kampala, Uganda, where young employees are collecting data to train artificial intelligence software.
Imagine a large office where 150 people are sitting, each in front of a computer. Music plays in the background. But what you hear most of all are the clicks of the employees.
The decor of the premises resembles an African version of Silicon Valley, with fabrics hanging on the walls and climbing plants. There are even lollipops on a bar for those who want them. On the other hand, it’s forbidden to take photos. And the people authorised to answer questions are chosen by management.
Low-cost labour
Joshua Okello is the Managing Director of Sama. Most of his customers are in North America and Europe, as far afield as Germany. For him, it’s a “win-win” operation, as he explains: “Instead of paying €50,000, they can use our services for much less. Take, for example, a company that develops robots to pick apples; the algorithm has to be taught to recognise when to harvest, i.e. when the apples are exactly 92% ripe, when they have reached a very specific colour. Customers send us photos and videos of these apples and we gradually train the AI to pick the right fruit.”
Sama’s employees are divided into two teams, one for the day and one for the night. From Uganda, they work for multinationals such as Google, Meta, Ebay, Ford, BMW, Facebook and even NASA.
In the past, this type of company set up telephone call centres in India, but now Indian salaries are too high and companies are turning to East Africa. Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, therefore, offer a number of advantages: a cheaper workforce that speaks English, stable Internet connections and a small time difference with Europe.
Joshua Okello emphasises the need for jobs in countries where poverty and youth unemployment are rife.
Bruno Kayiza is a Sama employee. He says he enjoys his work on drones used by farmers to control weeds: “I think we’re well paid,” he says. Much more than for another first job – around 20% more.”
Bruno Kayiza also highlights the social benefits that his job guarantees him, such as health and disability insurance.
Regulatory problems
As an employer, Sama prides itself on an ethic that is not shared by all the companies in the sector operating in Africa. In Nanjira Sambuli’s view, this is a problem that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
It’s a major political issue, both for African leaders and the international community,” says the Kenyan researcher. Africa needs these jobs. But shouldn’t we improve worker protection? We need to ensure both job security and employee rights”.
Seydina Ndiaye, the Senegalese member of the think tank set up by the United Nations on artificial intelligence, recognises the potential of AI for agriculture or health, for example: data management, infrastructure, unused arable land, water resources.
But he also warns against the risks of artificial intelligence.
Seydina Ndiaye notes that most of the data generated in Africa is stored by multinationals outside the continent, and that these companies could take advantage of the inadequate regulations in African countries to carry out tests that escape all control.
The researcher is therefore calling on governments to develop national strategies – the continental strategy will be presented shortly – to provide a framework through strict legislation for the use of technologies that are not yet fully mastered.
By CA