Zain Verjee sits down with Wakanyi Hoffman, Storyteller and Indigenous Knowledge Scholar, to explore a much needed crossover:  Ubuntu ethics and Artificial Intelligence. In this episode we deep dive into the continent's rich storytelling traditions and how we can embed the values and concept of Ubuntu to provide an ethical framework for building AI systems. One in which indigenous communities can take ownership of their own stories. Through the lens of Ubuntu ethics, they discuss how indigenous knowledge systems could provide the ethical framework needed for truly inclusive AI development, particularly in Africa. The conversation reveals practical approaches to incorporating African values and storytelling traditions into AI systems while addressing crucial questions about data sovereignty and digital colonization.

Guest Bio

Wakanyi Hoffman is an author, African Indigenous Knowledge scholar, and global speaker of Ubuntu philosophy. She is a “global nomad”, currently splitting her time between the Netherlands and Germany. Wakanyi is currently the PhD lead researcher for African Sustainable AI at Inclusive AI Lab, which is under Centre for Global Challenges at Utrecht University. At The New Institute in Hamburg, Wakanyi is involved in the program "Conceptions of Human Flourishing".  Wakanyi is also a Kenya Education Fund board member dedicated to offering high school education to marginalized, gifted children. Additionally, her advisory role at The Contentment Foundation underscores her dedication to global well-being. She is also a valued board member at Seeds of Wisdom, championing indigenous elders’ wisdom and knowledge exchange. Her initiatives include founding African Folktales Project to bridge gaps between indigenous and contemporary African societies.

Key Highlights

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and welcome 

01:21 - Introduction to Ubuntu ethics and AI 

03:13 - Defining Ubuntu protocols and principles 

04:28 - African representation in AI training data 

06:38 - Indigenous storytelling and AI 

08:51 - Ubuntu AI bot development 

12:04 - The five principles of Ubuntu 

15:06 - Data sovereignty and African AI development 

18:14 - Including marginalized communities 

19:44 - The Compassion Bot project 

22:22 - State of AI in Africa 

24:43 - Addressing fears about AI 

26:43 - Closing thoughts on African storytelling

Featured Research & Projects

Connect With Wakanyi

Website: https://www.wakanyihoffman.com/

Linkedin: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/wakanyi-hoffman-77a9671a4

Her AI bot: https://www.awakin.ai/

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