Africa Must Harness AI Without Losing Its Cultural Soul — Experts

By TOSI ORE

EXPERTS have called on African nations to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that strengthen—rather than erode—the continent’s cultural identity, languages, and indigenous knowledge systems. Speaking at a two-day regional workshop on Open Educational Resources (OER) in Abuja, they stressed that Africa must develop AI strategies rooted in its own values and intellectual traditions.

The workshop, organised by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), brought together academics, policymakers, and technology specialists to examine the theme: “Emerging Issues in OER Practices in the Age of AI.”

NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by his deputy, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, said AI offers transformative opportunities but must be implemented with sensitivity to Africa’s cultural diversity. He noted that local histories and knowledge frameworks must shape how institutions integrate AI into learning.

Deputy Director of RETRIDOL, Prof. Dorothy Ofoha, echoed the call for balance, warning that global enthusiasm for AI should not overshadow the need to protect Africa’s identity. She urged the continent to build policies and frameworks that ensure AI enhances, rather than displaces, African values in education.

She added that participants would jointly craft guidelines for AI-driven OER that reflect African realities. COL’s Adviser on Higher Education, Prof. Jane-Frances Agbu, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for equitable, technology-enabled learning across the Commonwealth.