Reflections: Artificial Intelligence For A Resilient Economy In Tunisia

Richard Foster-FletcherMay 14, 2024

Reflecting on the opening day of the Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient Economy in Tunisia conference in Tunis, I am grateful for the engaging and productive discussions that unfolded. The event brought together a diverse assembly of policymakers, industry experts, and academics, fostering a unified approach to policy-making that is essential for harnessing AI to promote equitable economic growth.

My plenary talk explored the role of government policies in leveraging AI for economic development. It was encouraging to see a concerted effort towards creating policies that not only drive innovation but also ensure inclusivity and fairness. This aligns with Tunisia’s broader goals of integrating AI into various sectors to boost economic growth and job creation. As highlighted in recent reports, Tunisia has emerged as a leader in AI adoption in Africa, with initiatives aimed at enhancing different aspects of the country’s economy (ReadWrite).

The Role of the New AI University

A key highlight from the conference was the announcement and discussion surrounding Tunisia’s new AI university. This institution, established under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represents a strategic move to build a robust AI ecosystem within the country. The decision to offer courses primarily in English, rather than French, is a strategic choice aimed at aligning more closely with global AI markets and research (ReadWrite). By doing so, Tunisia aims to position itself as a regional hub for AI innovation, attracting international talent and fostering collaborations with leading AI researchers and institutions worldwide.

Revolutionising Key Sectors

Emerging markets like Tunisia are particularly excited about AI’s potential to revolutionise sectors such as health, agriculture, climate change, and manufacturing. These sectors are ripe for innovation and efficiency gains through AI. However, it’s crucial to recognise that the majority of AI implementations will be within everyday businesses, leveraging accessible platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity. These tools provide tremendous productivity benefits at relatively low costs, making them attractive options for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Addressing Data and Cultural Bias

Significant considerations must be addressed. With 50% of websites in English and 60% of internet traffic directed towards US companies, there is an inherent bias in the data upon which these AI models are trained. This raises important questions about the relevance and applicability of such AI tools in different cultural contexts. Emerging markets need to critically evaluate how these AI platforms, built on predominantly Western data, align with their local cultural values, ethics, and customer expectations. The risk is that AI could inadvertently impose foreign norms and practices, potentially impacting local cultures and sovereignties.

Tailored AI Adoption

Despite these challenges, there is immense potential for emerging markets to leapfrog traditional stages of development by adopting AI. However, this adoption must be on their terms. It requires a tailored approach that respects and integrates local contexts and needs. By doing so, these markets can harness AI’s power while preserving their unique identities and values.

Building Public Trust

Public trust and perception of AI are also evolving. Unlike the early days of social media, where users freely shared personal data, there is now a heightened awareness and scepticism towards AI. People are increasingly concerned about data privacy and the ethical implications of AI systems. This shift in perception necessitates that businesses in emerging markets adopt transparent and ethical AI practices to build and maintain public trust.

Key Questions We Need to Ask

How can emerging markets ensure AI tools align with local cultural values and ethics?
- Assessing the relevance and impact of Western-trained AI models on local practices and norms.
What strategies can help bridge the gap between AI advancements and local needs?
- Developing tailored AI solutions that address specific challenges faced by local industries and communities.
How can public trust in AI be built and maintained in these markets?
- Implementing transparent, ethical AI practices and robust data privacy measures to foster trust.
What role can governments and educational institutions play in AI integration?
- Supporting AI education, training, and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI use and innovation.

The opening day of the AI for a Resilient Economy in Tunisia conference was a testament to the country’s dedication to harnessing AI for sustainable and inclusive growth. The establishment of Tunisia’s new AI university marks a significant step towards building a robust AI ecosystem and aligning the nation with global AI advancements. Leaders in emerging markets must navigate the complexities of AI adoption, ensuring it aligns with local values and contributes positively to societal progress. By embracing AI on their terms, emerging markets can not only keep pace with global advancements but also carve out a significant role in the future of AI. This balanced approach will enable them to harness AI’s transformative power while safeguarding cultural integrity and public trust.

For further reading on Tunisia’s AI potential and strategic plans, you can refer to the articles from African Business and University World News.

Other Related Articles

Balancing Sovereignty and FOMO: The Dilemmas Facing National Leaders in Generative AI Development
The race to develop large language models (LLMs) at a country level is not merely ...

The High Stakes of AI Watermarking: Balancing Integrity and Commercial Survival
The debate surrounding OpenAI's potential implementation of watermarking technology for AI-generated content has significant implications, ...
Perplexity Should Be Dead, But Instead, It’s Getting Stronger: Here’s Why
Google’s search engine dominance has long been seen as unassailable—a narrative shaped by decades of ...

Richard delivered an insightful and thought-provoking talk on the expansive implications of artificial intelligence on society, the future of work, and ethical considerations. His ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner prompted a dynamic and engaging discussion among attendees. Richard’s presentation not only highlighted the potential risks and rewards of AI adoption but also encouraged a deeper understanding of its impact. The session was very well-received, sparking meaningful dialogue and a multitude of questions from an engaged audience. We are appreciative of Richard’s contribution to our event and his role in advancing the conversation around AI. His expertise and passion for the subject matter were evident and greatly appreciated by all participants.

Andy Murray, Executive Director at Major Projects Association

Richard provided an excellent platform for our discussion, skillfully getting to the heart of the matter and allowing me to share my views effectively. His thoughtful questions, combined with a warm and engaging manner, made for a truly insightful conversation. I appreciated his genuine interest and the respectful way he facilitated our discussion.

Sir Anthony Seldon, Author, Historian and Educator

It would be easy to describe Richard as an inspirational keynote speaker, an energetic and positive founder and a great podcast compere. And these would all be true. But to do so would miss something important and worth talking about. Richard is all about bringing the right people together and then inspiring them to do what they are best at. You can see it in his events, in his podcasts and in his keynote speeches. This positivity, respect and encouragement of everyone else is what makes Richard stands out. Book him. Work with him. Enjoy it.

Ryan Parke, Professional Speaker on Male Mental Health

Richard is a thorough professional who takes his work seriously, is knowledgeable and possibly the best at spreading the word about AI. Richard’s probing questions about this subject, make you think. He gets the best out of you!

Nikhil Malhotra, Chief Innovation Officer, Tech Mahindra

Richard is a great global thought leader in the field of emerging technologies. I really appreciate his passion and work to create awareness about various critical topics like AI ethics, developing and implementing responsible AI, the understanding impact of emerging technologies for the future, and building strong leadership and ways to address climate change challenges. I also highly recommend everyone to listen to his podcast channel “Boundless” which explores fascinating topics around emerging technologies, leadership, and change. Richard is truly inspiring and I love his work.

Abhinav Raje Sr , Product Manager@NAB | Storyteller | Inspiring Ideas Podcast

Richard Foster-Fletcher is an asset to humanity. He brings intelligence and heart to our ever-changing future. He’s a team player who cares about people and their important role on the planet as stewards for future generations. He is a great communicator and thinks outside of the box when creating solutions to difficult problems. Richard also sees the value in healthy partnerships when expanding new ideas. It’s an honor to work with Richard.

Laura Cox, Executive Producer

Richard has a unique quality:360° perception. If you want to have a real conversation that goes through every aspect of a topic, Richard is the person you want! Richard takes you further than most people I know. You always end up learning more about yourself and the information you were trying to convey. Richard is boundless indeed and will take you as well as your audience to the next level!

Denis Rothman, AI Expert & Ethicist | Author & Speaker

Richard Foster-Fletcher delivered a truly engaging and thought-provoking keynote at the AI Tomorrow Summit 2024 in Türkiye. His insights into the transformative potential of AI for Türkiye’s economy were both enlightening and impactful. Richard’s emphasis on the pivotal role of generative AI for SMEs, the importance of upskilling, and ethical considerations in AI development resonated deeply with our audience. His ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity and relevance made the session highly valuable. AIPA were thrilled to have Richard speak and look forward to future collaborations.

Ulas Malli, Board Member, AIPA

I have known Richard since the beginning years of MKAI. He is an engaging speaker and leader with the delivery of a world-class orator. If Richard is speaking somewhere, I’m listening in.

Ambassador Terry Earthwind Nichols, Ambassador | International Speaker

Richard’s keynote at our recent EMEA Conference was both enlightening and engaging. His presentation, “AI in Action – Balancing Innovation and Integrity in Decision-Making” adeptly addressed the complex interplay of AI innovation and ethics, enhancing our understanding of these critical issues. Richard combined humour and humility to make the intricate topics of bias and the future of work approachable, while his interactive style enriched our session. We are grateful for his significant contribution to the conference and for advancing the conversation on ethical AI.

Megan Hendricks, Executive Director, MBA Career Services & Employee Alliance

The physicist John Wheeler once remarked, “We shape the world by the questions we ask.” If that’s so, then Richard is shaping the world. I had the pleasure of joining him as a guest on his podcast and was *profoundly* impressed with the depth, generosity and thoughtfulness of his questions. He’s a star!

Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer at Planet