AI initiative launched with Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya as founding members

Current AI’ initiative launched by France aims to raise $2.5 billion over the next five years

RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) – An initiative for the development and promotion of Artificial Intelligence technology has been launched with Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria as its founding members. 

The initiative aims to raise $2.5 billion over the next five years and develop “systems to assess the social and environmental impact” of AI, as reported by French media outlet Le Figaro.

Dubbed “Current AI”, the project specifically aims to develop AI systems to promote innovation worldwide.

The announcement came on the eve of France’s AI Action Summit which has just kicked off in Paris. 

Other founding countries on board for the Current AI partnership include Germany, Finland, Chile, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Google, software publisher Salesforce, and the AI Collaborative group are also part of the initiative. 

The $400 million initiative receives support from tech giants including Arthur Mensch. 

Developing economies in Africa have been pledging to continue embracing AI as a tool that could serve to facilitate and speed up development in different fields including education, healthcare and other key sectors.

Despite all of this global momentum, participating countries are aware of the challenges that AI could also bring.

Last week, President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Amina Bouayach, called for a national strategy focused on AI and the opportunities it presents for the digital landscape.

“Human rights do not necessarily conflict with technological and digital advancements,” and “are not an obstacle to innovation and progress,” she said.

The country has been stressing the importance of adopting AI in different sectors, including education.