Trade, Tech and Transformation: Highlights From Indonesia-Africa Forum and Deep Learning Indaba

Trade, Tech and Transformation: Highlights From Indonesia-Africa Forum and Deep Learning Indaba

Welcome to Institute Insights, where TBI experts bring to life our work enabling political leaders to drive change that transforms lives.

In this edition, Arfinandi Ferialdy , a senior manager in TBI’s Indonesia team, reflects on the success of the Indonesia-Africa Forum – highlighting how the summit fostered trade deals while amplifying the voices of developing countries through South-South cooperation. Senior Policy Advisor Bridget Boakye also shares insights from the 2024 Deep Learning Indaba in Senegal, showcasing Africa’s grassroots-driven AI innovation and the critical role of community-led initiatives in shaping the continent’s AI future.

Indonesia-Africa Forum: Amplifying the Voices of Developing Economies

Behind every successful business agreement lies a bigger story.

The recent Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) delivered a historic $3.5 billion trade deal between South-East Asia’s largest economy and one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. But, for supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda, the recent summit was about more than delivering win-win trade deals; it was also about amplifying the voices of emerging economies.

Drawing from decades of experience in Africa, TBI was proud to be the leading knowledge partner of the two-day forum, hosted by Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry. TBI led a panel session of high-level ministerial speakers titled “Charting the Path Forward: Reflections to Sustain and Elevate Indonesia-Africa Strategic Partnership”, further deepening cooperation and delivering actionable steps towards sustainable development.

Regional Synergies

Indonesia, with its abundant natural resources and strategic geographic position, has the potential to become a developed nation by 2045. As African countries seek to diversify their economic partnerships and tap into new markets, Indonesia offers an attractive avenue for trade, investment and technology transfer. The synergy between Indonesia’s rich resources and Africa’s vast opportunities suggests a natural alliance.

This message was reinforced by Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo, who called for a new direction and vision, a new strategy for developing countries. “Millions of people in developing countries are the ones who face the most difficult challenges. We have only six years left until 2030 and only 17 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals target has been achieved,” said the president.

South-South Cooperation

The South-South cooperation framework is crucial in this context, calling for solidarity among developing countries, allowing them to share knowledge, technology and resources. By strengthening trade ties, Indonesia and African nations can champion the voices of emerging and developing countries, ensuring that their interests – ranging from economic transformation to sustainability and development cooperation – are represented in global discussions.

The IAF paved the way for a new era of cooperation that transcends traditional trade relationships. By strengthening partnerships based on equality, respect and shared prosperity, Indonesia and African nations can build a new economic framework.


Arfinandi Ferialdy, Senior Manager, TBI Indonesia
Arfinandi Ferialdy, Senior Manager, TBI Indonesia



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Unlocking Africa’s AI Potential: Reflections From the 2024 Deep Learning Indaba in Senegal

The recent Deep Learning Indaba in Senegal highlighted a diverse range of context-specific AI research, including projects on urban intelligence for sustainable transportation, river-flood detection, pesticide identification, quantum-enhanced oncological diagnosis and writing in Somali, among many others. These efforts illustrate the growing momentum of AI development across Africa, driven by grassroots, community-led innovation. Unlike in other parts of the world, where AI research often comes from universities or corporate labs, Africa’s AI momentum is also being driven by community groups such as Masakhane, Ghana NLP and Data Science Nigeria. This approach can be more inclusive, grounded in local realities and serve a wider section of society.?

Indaba is the Zulu word for a community gathering. TBI was proud to be part of this year’s Indaba and sponsored the Women in AI session for the second year in a row, supporting efforts to expand and diversify the AI talent pool across Africa.?

Supporting Grassroots Initiatives

Global tech players like Google and NVIDIA have recognised the potential of these grassroots movements, supporting them with computing resources and partnerships. And there is a real opportunity for African governments to leverage this progress. By raising the profile of community-led initiatives and providing funding, governments can help ensure that AI development is widely accessible and rooted in local priorities.

Advancing Research and Bringing AI Products to Market?

The growth of AI research in Africa over recent years is notable, thanks in part to support structures like mentorship and funding from initiatives like Deep Learning Indaba. Yet much more can be done to deepen investment in AI research and translate research into commercial applications that can drive economic growth. This is a crucial area of opportunity for governments, industry and non-profits. Governments should also continue to invest in digital infrastructure, create incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship, deepen international collaboration, and facilitate access to capital.

The takeaway is clear: Africa’s AI future depends on creating inclusive, collaborative ecosystems that empower local communities and talent while tapping into global partnerships. Now is the time for African governments to actively support these grassroots efforts and help shape an AI landscape that truly reflects the continent’s diverse needs and ambitions.?


Bridget Boakye, Senior Policy Advisor, Science & Tech Policy




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Debrah Bender

Medical Insurance Biller

1 个月

Amazing

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Cathrine Israel

Advocate for Equality Justice and Fairness (Self-employed)

1 个月

This is impressive that former PM Tony Blair is doing so much for Africa. It would be wonderful if all those who can afford to could do something for the empowerment of those facing challenges in this World.

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