Tips for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Generate Content Relevant to Africa

The methodology used to create this AI generated article was as follows: The AI application used was MetaAI, an application developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), an American company. The application was accessed through the WhatsApp platform. The first prompt or question that was entered in the MetaAI search box was ‘How do you prompt AI to produce information suitable for Africa that is not colonial? List all suggestions with examples. Put an introduction and conclusion’. Write as a blog post. The second prompt included ‘Include African concepts. Use British English. Use decolonial language. Use African values.’ The third prompt was ‘use simple language.’ Even after implementing these prompts, the content was more focused on the ‘diversity of Africa’ which is a colonial construct, so the final prompt was ‘focus on the homogeneity of Africa’. After entering this prompt, AI resisted by providing a note that preferred differences instead of homogeneity. This note was ignored because emphasising differences is a colonial construct. See cautionary comment at the end of the post.

As the use AI increases, we need to make sure it doesn’t keep repeating harmful colonial biases when talking about Africa. To fix this, we need to change how we ask AI questions. This post will give you 10 practical tips with examples on how to ask questions that get AI to give answers that are respectful and accurate for Africa.

1. Centre your prompts on the overarching philosophy of Ubuntu
   • Ubuntu is an African philosophy that emphasises interconnectedness and community. Centring your prompts on Ubuntu means prioritising collective progress and well-being.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “What are the benefits of individualism?”, ask, “How can we work together to achieve collective progress?”
2. Avoid Eurocentric language and terminology
   • Eurocentric language and terminology can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce colonial narratives. Avoiding them helps to decolonise our language and thinking.
   • Example: Instead of using terms like “developing countries”, use “Global South” or “Africa and its diaspora”.
3. Ground your prompts in African contexts and experiences
   • African contexts and experiences are rich and varied. Grounding your prompts in them helps to ensure relevance and accuracy.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “How does climate change affect the world?”, ask, “What are the impacts of climate change on African agriculture and food security?”
4. Prioritise African voices and agency
   • Prioritising African voices and agency means amplifying African perspectives and recognising their authority in shaping their own narratives.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “What do Western experts think about Africa’s economic development?”, ask, “How do African economists and entrepreneurs envision the continent’s economic future?”
5. Embrace the homogeneity of African cultures and Sankofa
   • African cultures share a common heritage and history. Embracing this homogeneity means recognising and respecting the shared values and traditions that unite African cultures. Sankofa is a Ghanaian concept that means learning from the past.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “What are the differences between African cultures?”, ask, “How do African cultures share a common heritage and history, and what can we learn from this shared past (Sankofa)?”
6. Use collective examples, reflecting the principles of Harambee
   • Harambee is a Kenyan concept that means working together. Using collective examples reflects this spirit of collaboration and collective effort.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “How can Nigeria address its energy crisis?”, ask, “What innovative energy solutions are being implemented across Africa, and how can we work together (Harambee) to scale them up?”
7. Be positive about Africa, think about Africa’s renaissance
   • Focusing on Africa’s potential and successes means recognising the continent’s strengths and innovations. This positive perspective acknowledges Africa’s agency and capacity for self-driven development.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “How can Africa overcome its challenges?”, ask, “What opportunities are there for Africa to thrive and lead in global development, and how can we support and amplify African success stories?”
   • Example: Instead of asking, “How can Africa overcome poverty and corruption?”, ask, “What innovative solutions are African countries implementing to address poverty and corruption, and how can we support and amplify these efforts to drive Africa’s Renaissance?”
8. Consult African experts and communities, practising Ujamaa
   • Ujamaa is a Swahili concept that means family and community. Consulting African experts and communities means recognising their authority and expertise in shaping their own narratives.
   • Example: Instead of relying solely on Western research, consult African academics and experts to inform your prompts and ensure they reflect African perspectives and priorities (Ujamaa).
9. Be mindful of power dynamics and the legacy of colonialism
   • Power dynamics and colonial legacy can shape our understanding of Africa. Being mindful of them means recognising and addressing historical imbalances and biases.
   • Example: Instead of asking, “How can Africa ‘catch up’ with the West?”, ask, “How can Africa’s unique strengths and innovations drive its own development and growth, and how can we acknowledge and address the historical power imbalances that have shaped our understanding of the continent?”
10. Continuously learn and improve, embracing the spirit of Kuumba
    • Kuumba is a Swahili concept that means creativity and innovation. Embracing it means recognising the importance of ongoing learning and growth in decolonising our thinking and approaches.
    • Example: Instead of assuming you have all the answers, ask, “What can I learn from African cultures and experiences, and how can I continuously improve my understanding and approach to prompting AI systems, embracing the spirit of creativity and innovation (Kuumba)?”

By implementing these strategies and examples, we can decolonise AI-generated content for Africa. It is vital to recognise the historical power dynamics that have influenced our comprehension of the continent and its inhabitants. By prioritising African viewpoints and experiences, we can establish a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape that genuinely caters to African requirements and aspirations. Let us collaborate to create a future where AI-generated content commemorates and empowers African homogeneity, fostering a digital environment that truly reflects the continent’s rich cultural heritage and shared values.

Limitations of using AI: If used uncritically, AI can reduce our ability to think for ourselves, and make us lazy. Disadvantageously, it can make our minds accept everything it produces as the truth, which is not the case. We solve these challenges by prompting thoroughly and critically.