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The Launch of African Intelligence: Industrializing Africa through Artificial Intelligence

By Christopher Wisdom Penu
Article Efraim Weaver
MAR 25, 2024 LISTEN
Efraim Weaver

In a world driven by technological innovation, the African Intelligence Club stands as a beacon of hope, spearheading efforts to empower the youth of Africa and its diaspora.

Efraim Weaver is the Founder and Student President of the African Intelligence Club. As a student at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC, he stands out not only for his academic excellence but for his profound interest in computer science and artificial intelligence.

Efraim aims to leverage artificial intelligence to address challenges unique to communities of color and to diminish bias in technological applications.

His work and studies have been greatly influenced by his experiences in Ghana and South Africa, fueling his passion for African development and his ambition to pursue a career at the intersection of Al and societal change.

Efraim's academic journey is marked by a stellar academic performance, which is underscored by consistent recognition on the Principal's Honor List, and his concentration in the computer science STEM pathway at McKinley Tech.

His professional experience includes a mentorship at Microsoft, where he participated in job shadowing and honed his skills in project development and presentation, and his volunteer work at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where he engaged in educational projects and received a designation as a lifetime Ambassador.

Efraim’s extracurricular involvements extend to the McKinley Tech Robotics Club, competing in academic Olympiads, and practicing Brazilian Capoeira. He is proficient in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, and is skilled in programming languages such as Python, Java, HTML, JavaScript, and C#.

Efraim envisions a future where he can further his studies in computer science and artificial intelligence at the university level, aiming to contribute significantly to the fields of Al and African development. His dedication to fostering a supportive and innovative environment for African students through coding competitions and hackathons epitomizes his commitment to not just his personal growth but also to the empowerment of his peers.

Weaver's personal experiences in Ghana and South Africa have fueled his passion for Al and African development. Recognizing the immense potential of Africa's youthful population, he envisions a future where Al serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and prosperity across the continent.

With this vision in mind, the African Intelligence Club was born, with a mission to cultivate a new generation of computer scientists equipped to address the unique challenges facing Africa and its diaspora.

At the core of the Al Club's mission is the belief in the transformative power of education.

Through a comprehensive curriculum that includes computer science classes, Al courses, and interdisciplinary studies on the impact of industrial revolutions, the club prepares high school students to compete in international competitions and pursue careers in Artificial intelligence and Computer science.

Our approach
The approach includes 3 groups of activities.

Computer science dasses for high school students in Africa and the diaspora using the USACO curriculum in Java

* Artificial Intelligence courses using the Azure Cloud Advocates at Microsoft curriculum in Python

* History and economics classes on the impact of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd industrial Revolutions and opportunities for Africa and the diaspora from the 4th Industrial Revolution

* Participation in the USACO open competitions

* Organising with the governments in Africa to send talented students to represent their countries in the IOI competition

* Participation in a Pan African Hackathon sponsored by the Al Club where students use Al to address challenges faced by Africans and the African diaspora

* Building social and professional networks among African and Diaspora students dedicated to artificial intelligence.

* Connecting talented students with the top global universities as well as job and entrepreneurship opportunities in artificial intelligence.

The recent launch of the African Intelligence Club, held in collaboration with Al-RAYAN, marked a historic moment for Africa's youth.

Ten students from five different high schools, including Al Rayan, Galaxy International School, St Peters Mission School, Chemu Senior High, and Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School, were inducted into the club.

The event drew distinguished guests, including Professor Elsie Effah Kuafuman, the Dean of the School of Engineering for the University of Ghana, Nausheen Siddiqi, the head of technology at Al Rayan, and Mr Abel Ohene Acquaye, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Olympiad Acadamy, who offered their support and encouragement to the budding Al enthusiasts.

The launch event also featured prominent figures from the tech industry, such as Mr. Elli Banini from Digiits, Mr Stephen Adomako from Mest, Miss Lois Young from Amalitech Ghana, and Ms Deborah Ofori Dartey from the Institute of ICT Professionals.

Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government in driving innovation and fostering talent development.

Looking ahead, the African Intelligence Club is poised to make a significant impact on Africa’s technological landscape.

By building social and professional networks, providing access to global opportunities, and promoting Al-driven solutions to local challenges, the club is paving the way for a brighter future for Africa and its youth.

At the dawn of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the African Intelligence Club stands as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and boundless potential of Africa's youth.

Let us join hands in supporting their endeavors and championing a future where innovation knows no bounds.

Quotes from the Founder Efriam Weaver
"I believe Al can be fun while changing things for the better. We want to bring people together and provide opportunities for African students on the continent and in the diaspora.

"I dream of a future where African inventors and creators are leading in the way of tech, solving problems that are relevant to Africa, and finding new opportunities.

"Working together we can open up new doors and make Africa a leader in technology."

About the Author:
Christopher Wisdom Penu is s Youth Activist and Pan Africanist

March 25, 2024.

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