An African perspective on AI

An international Conference organized by the Dicastery of Communication and held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University last week saw panelists reflect on preserving human faces and voices, emphasizing the need to protect human dignity, identity, and creativity amid technological advancement.

FILE PHOTO: Illustration shows message reading 'AI artificial intelligence', keyboard and robot hands (REUTERS)

Inspired by Pope Leo XIV9;s message on the 60th World Day of Social Communication, participants at the conference organized by the Dicastery of Communication on May 21, 2026, held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on 9;Preserving Human Voices and Faces,9; discussed and emphasized the need to safeguard human dignity, authentic relationships, and ethical communication in the digital age.

They warned of the danger of deepfakes, disinformation, algorithmic bias, and digital exclusion, while also recognizing the positive possibilities of AI when guided by responsibility and moral values.

Enriching conversation

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming society, offering opportunities for innovation while raising urgent ethical, cultural, and human concerns.

In an interview with Vatican News, Joy Buolamwini, PhD, one of the panelists, described the conference as the most enriching conversation on AI she had attended, as it united journalists, scientists, ethicists, political experts, and communicators in one forum.

She stressed that while AI technologies are advancing rapidly, humanity still has the agency to shape their direction responsibly.

A concern raised during the conference was the increased use of AI in facial recognition systems, deepfakes, and automated decision-making.

Dr. Buolamwini warned about the rise of what she calls the “X-coded” individual, who is harmed, discriminated against, or exploited through AI systems. She emphasized that no one is immune, citing examples such as manipulated images of public figures and explicit deepfakes targeting women and girls.

She further advocated for biometric rights, creative rights, and stronger protections for individuals whose identities, voices, and artistic works can now be replicated through AI technologies without consent.

Africa’s Place in Shaping the Future of AI

The participants also noted the urgent need for Africa not only to consume technology developed elsewhere but also to actively shape it.

Benjamin Rosman, a professor of computer science at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in South Africa, highlighted the importance of African participation in global AI development, mentioning that Africa faces unique challenges, especially in areas such as language diversity, healthcare, education, and agriculture.

With over 2,000 languages spoken across the continent, many remain “low-resource languages,” meaning there is insufficient data to train AI systems effectively. He stressed that AI is not simply about access to technology but about who designs it and whose values are embedded within it.

Through initiatives such as the Deep Learning Indaba, African researchers and innovators are building strong pan-African collaborations aimed at creating ethical and culturally relevant AI systems.

Dr. Buolamwini echoed similar concerns by warning against a “second wave of data colonialism,” where African digital data is extracted and used to enrich foreign corporations without benefiting local communities.

She called on African governments and institutions to protect digital resources and ensure that African voices are represented in technological development.

Dr. Buolamwini pointed to the African-led innovative AI tools developed by companies such as FarmerLine, which assist farmers in local languages to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

The Church and the ethical Use of AI

Fr. Faustine Furaha reflected on Pope Leo’s message for the 60th World Communications Day, emphasizing that human faces and voices are sacred gifts that must be protected.

He said the Church views AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human intelligence or spiritual ministry. Referring to the Vatican document Antiqua et Nova, he noted that AI can support evangelization and communication but cannot substitute genuine human interaction, wisdom, or pastoral presence.

Similarly, Mesioye Toheeb, a student from Nigeria studying in Rome, emphasized that AI should enhance human work rather than replace humanity itself. He warned young people, especially Gen Z, against overdependence on AI for creativity and critical thinking.

He said that AI is programmed and limited, whereas human potential remains immeasurable. He encouraged young people to remain authentic and to use AI responsibly without losing their identity or creativity.

Clear ethical boundaries must remain in place, especially in areas involving human relationships, spiritual guidance, and moral decision-making as AI advances.

Ubuntu, justice and the protection of African voices

Anastancia Makunu approached the AI discussion from both legal and communication perspectives, drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, ‘I am because we are.9;

She argued that African societies are deeply rooted in face-to-face relationships, moral storytelling, and communal listening. AI-generated voices, bots, and virtual realities, she warned, risk weakening these authentic human connections.

Ms. Makunu expressed concerns over the growing dependence on Western-developed technologies that often fail to reflect African realities, cultures, and values, highlighting issues such as algorithmic bias, surveillance, exploitation of African labor in data moderation, and environmental strain caused by data centers established in vulnerable communities.

From a legal standpoint, she warned that biased facial recognition systems could reinforce systemic injustices, particularly against Black communities and women. She stressed the need for African-centered AI governance that protects dignity, human rights, and cultural identity.

At the same time, Ms. Makunu acknowledged the positive potential of AI in Africa. She noted that AI can help simplify complex legal policy documents, improving access to education, bridging language barriers, and empowering young entrepreneurs to create new opportunities.

The conference concluded with a strong consensus: AI must remain at the service of humanity as technology continues to evolve; preserving authentic human voices, faces, cultures, and relationships remains essential for the future of society.

Christine Masivo
Source: vaticannews.va/en