Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often seen as either a game-changing tool or a disruptive force. But how can emerging economies harness AI’s potential amid resource constraints? In this interview, Sudanese data scientist Reem Mahdi offers a pragmatic perspective. With years of experience in the field, she discusses AI’s real-world applications, the misconceptions surrounding its impact, and how developing nations can strategically adopt AI to drive progress. Mahdi highlights the steps needed to build awareness and unlock AI’s transformative power, from improving decision-making to fostering inclusive innovation.

QUESTION: Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you do?

Reem Mahdi: I am Reem Mahdi, I am Sudanese, and I work in data science. I’ve been working in the field for the past six years. I come from a computer science and mathematics background, and I’ve been working in the industry for about four years now.

QUESTION: So as a data scientist, what is your view on the proliferation of AI?

Reem Mahdi: I think it’s a very debatable topic. Some people might think that it might destroy humanity, or that AI is going to take over the world, and others think it’s going to take all the heavy lifting from that humans do on a daily basis. I see it as more of a technical tool. If you could put it into the right place and then, with the right policies and regulations, it’s going to be very helpful in so many sectors. If we look at all the roles that can be automated or done by a robot or AI script, then why not?

QUESTION: So you think that it’s a tool like any other?

Reem Mahdi: Yes. And like any tool, what matters is the intention of the person using the tool. I think that as long as we know what the benefits of it are, then you are going to use it for your own benefit. We humans have the final say in what it does and what it doesn’t do. We are the ones who are going to determine whether we can use it for this or that. Any other sort of thing?

QUESTION: How do you think emerging economies should get involved in AI development and implementation? When you have limited resources, oftentimes countries will prioritize focusing on critical requirements. So how do you think developing nations can overcome this challenge?

Reem Mahdi: I think this comes down to awareness. If you are aware of what AI can help you achieve, then you’re going to make the right decisions about resource allocation. I would say human money, effort, and time can all be navigated towards something that could help you in the long run.

For example, yes there are very pressing issues or problems that need to be tackled. Allocating money to feed the people is vitally important. But what if you can make this process better? This is where investing in AI can lead to long-term benefits. AI can help governments factor in numerous data points like logistics, demographics and so on and use it to develop more optimal solutions.

If you use AI as a tool as I mentioned previously, you’re talking about faster data processing speeds, shorter turnaround times for getting answers, and more accurate predictions. All of this will lead to better outcomes overall for critical activities any government will have to undertake in the future.

QUESTION: And how do you go about building awareness?

Reem Mahdi: I have a fun story when ChatGPT came out. A Facebook user first started asking ChatGPT to tell him jokes. As he got more answers from it, he started making more requests, like “write a list of things I can buy from the market today” and slowly and steadily started using it more often in his day-to-day life.

It’s not like he started off using ChatGPT seriously. Quite the opposite – he was using it as a novelty. But with increased usage, this person was able to develop his understanding of ChatGPT and slowly became more proficient in using it for more important matters. You start with these stepping stones and develop awareness and proficiency with more usage.

You have people like Selena Lee and her organization Zindi that not only encourage people to develop technical skills, they are also able to connect and communicate with like-minded people, and most importantly, it always people who may not have formal training or don’t have an academic background to be part of the conversation. Academia is still vitally important as it is very great resource for innovative solutions. However, not everyone in a developing country has the opportunity or resources to get university-level training and often have to learn such things on their own. So being able to bring them into these communities where they can have their voices heard alongside qualified experts is key to helping build awareness.

Source : impactainews