INTRODUCING “PROJECT ALKEBULAN”

‍The representation of African data in current AI model training is limited and underrepresented. This is due to several factors, including the lack of comprehensive datasets from the continent. Project Alkebulan is an effort to explore this imbalance; with the introduction of initiatives aimed at working, creating, and improving datasets for  languages and context - starting with Africa. Corporate and academic efforts are also contributing to better data representation. However, challenges such as infrastructural limitations, language diversity, and inherent biases; in existing models persist. 

As of today, researchers posit that Africa contributes only 2% of the world’s research output.⧫ Therefore, improved representation of African data is crucial for the development of fairer and more effective AI applications that can benefit various sectors across the continent; and moreso, global research efforts across multiple domains. 

PROJECT ALKEBULAN

Project Alkebulan is an initiative that aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence to uncover, preserve, and share the rich histories, cultures, and socioeconomic realities of Africa. By introducing data with unrealized economic value to this space, Wamiri is able to provide access to a lot more people. Ensuring that the continent's diverse intellectual and cultural heritage is fully represented in the digital age. With over 3000 languages, and 1.3 billion people, there is still so much work to be done for a market with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12% YOY. ⍏ 

Alkebulan's Current Goals:

1. Data Integration: Alkebulan is working to source and integrate data from numerous languages and cultures across Africa. This involves collecting and organizing a vast array of information, ranging from historical documents and cultural artifacts to contemporary socio-economic data. 

2. Enhanced Contextual Understanding: Alkebulan aims to provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Africa. Which includes fine-tuning AI models to better respond to queries about the continent, and providing accurate and culturally sensitive information.

3. Accessibility: One of the core missions of Alkebulan is to make African knowledge accessible to Africans and the global audience. Such as creating platforms and tools that allow researchers, educators, and anyone from everywhere in the world to explore and learn about Africa's rich heritage easily.

Future Goals of Project Alkebulan:

1. Expansion of Data Sources: Alkebulan aims to continuously expand its data sources to include more languages, regions, and historical, cultural, and socioeconomic elements. Achieving this goal includes collaborating with local communities and institutions to gather authentic and comprehensive data.

2. AI Advancements: The project plans to enhance the continent's AI capabilities further, making it more adept at understanding and processing African contexts. Such as improving language translation, sentiment analysis, and contextual understanding of African languages.

3. Educational Outreach: Alkebulan intends to develop educational programs and resources that utilize its data. Which consists of creating interactive platforms, digital archives, and educational materials that can be used in schools and universities worldwide.

4. Global Collaboration: The project seeks to foster global collaboration, inviting researchers and institutions from around the world to contribute to and benefit from its resources. This collaborative approach aims to create a global network of knowledge-sharing, centered on African studies.

5. Preservation Initiatives: Future efforts will focus on the digital preservation of endangered languages, history, and cultural elements of African societies. Making sure that even the most vulnerable aspects of African heritage are safeguarded for future generations.

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Through these efforts, Project Alkebulan aims to transform the understanding and appreciation of African heritage on a global scale. Ensuring that Africa's intellectual wealth is not only preserved but also celebrated and integrated into the broader narrative of human history.

To learn more about Wamiri, read our Manifesto.

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_{⧫Aniebo, I. (2024). Investment in African research and development will boost health and economic growth. Nature Medicine, 1–1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02746-1}

_{Walsh, D., & Morales, H. R. (2023, October 28). The World Is Becoming More African. The New York Times.  | Source: U.N. World Population Prospects 2022. Regions are based on U.N. classifications. Regions with less than 1 percent of the global population are not shown.}

_{‍⍏ CONSULTING, S. M. (2022, February 17). Africa Data Center Market Size by Investment to Reach USD 5.4 Billion by 2027. South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya have Witnessed Investments in Smart City Developments – Arizton. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/02/17/2387355/0/en/Africa-Data-Center-Market-Size-by-Investment-to-Reach-USD-5-4-Billion-by-2027-South-Africa-Egypt-Nigeria-and-Kenya-have-Witnessed-Investments-in-Smart-City-Developments-Arizton.html}