We have been talking about AI for a long time but to be honest, AI is still just a buzzword for most Zimbabweans. Many have only seen a button labelled “MetaAI” pop up disrupting their WhatsApp experience and that is the extent of their knowledge of AI.
This is true for most businesses in the country. The majority of SMEs have not found a way to leverage AI. IndabaX Zimbabwe is on a mission to change that.
Indaba X
It is a “movement dedicated to accelerating the growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning within Zimbabwe.”
He said most companies aren't using AI primarily because they don't know how to use it — they don't have the time or expertise to research how AI can improve their operations.
IndabaX gets around this problem by connecting businesses and individuals with AI enthusiasts and experts to brainstorm solutions.
They say it “connects students, researchers, businesses, and enthusiasts to accelerate innovation, foster ethical AI development, and solve real-world challenges with data-driven solutions.”
IndabaX is focused on promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI and making AI education and opportunity accessible to all. Here are the focus areas I'm most excited about. In their own words:
AI-Powered Solutions to Zimbabwe's Challenges – IndabaX Zimbabwe will foster the application of AI to address pressing national challenges, including hackathons and challenges focused on precision agriculture, climate change adaptation, access to healthcare and resource optimization.
Building Bridges: Industry-Research Collaboration from Theory to Impact: Accelerating Innovation – IndabaX Zimbabwe will act as a bridge between researchers and companies, which means there will be dedicated networking events, project showcases and panel discussions addressing the challenges of taking AI solutions from the lab to the market in the Zimbabwean context.
AI Symposium
Every year, IndabaX hosts a conference featuring presentations by leading AI experts, hands-on workshops, project presentations, networking opportunities, and more. This year's symposium is just around the corner.
Deep Learning IndabaX Zimbabwe will host its fourth AI symposium at the U.S. Embassy and Harare University of Technology on August 28 and 29, 2024, respectively. All sessions, including the closing reception, will be in-person.
AI is a topic that now permeates all aspects of Zimbabwean society, including health, business, journalism and education. Other regions are well underway in introducing and discussing AI governance blueprints and laws. Coordinating approaches to AI risk management will be crucial to the future success of AI and global AI governance across all sectors.
The event will bring in speakers from Zimbabwe, South Africa and the US to discuss topics such as AI innovation, ethics and governance blueprints.
In summary:
- what – Deep Learning IndabaX Zimbabwe AI Symposium
- when – August 28th-29th, 2024
- where – Harare University of Technology, US Embassy, Harare
- how much – It's free
Applications are currently being accepted. If this sounds like you, please click here to register.
Alternatively, email us at info@indabaxzimbabwe.com for more information.
