Professor Arthur Mutambara Launches Groundbreaking Book on Artificial Intelligence and Development in the Global South
Johannesburg, South Africa – 7 May 2025
The University of Johannesburg yesterday hosted a dynamic hybrid seminar to mark the launch of Professor Arthur Mutambara’s new book, “Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South.” The event brought together scholars, policymakers, technology leaders, and students from across the globe in a vibrant discussion on the future of AI and its implications for the developing world.
Professor Mutambara, an esteemed academic and technology strategist, delivered a powerful keynote address in which he unpacked the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its various dimensions.
He defined AI as the simulation of human intelligence by machines, and outlined its core facets, including:
• Machine Learning – systems that learn and improve from data without being explicitly programmed;
• Natural Language Processing – allowing computers to understand and generate human language;
• Computer Vision – enabling machines to interpret and act on visual data;
• Robotics – autonomous machines that perform tasks in real-world settings;
• Expert Systems – AI-driven platforms for specialized decision-making;
• Cognitive Computing – replicating human thought processes for complex problem-solving.
In a spirited interactive session,
Dr. Malusi Mncube raised critical concerns around the dual impact of AI, warning of potential job losses, the rise of autonomous weapon systems, and the socio-political dangers associated with unregulated AI development.
Dr. Mncube highlighted the geopolitical imbalances perpetuated by the Global North’s control over AI innovation, particularly in relation to intellectual property rights, military technology, and the refusal to allow developing nations, such as Iran,to access nuclear capabilities, while maintaining vast arsenals themselves.
He further warned that the monopolization of AI by powerful technology corporations is deepening global inequalities and exacerbating class divisions between the technological elite and the global poor.
In response, Professor Mutambara echoed these concerns and delivered a strong call for African unity and sovereignty in the digital era. “Africa must establish a single central bank, a unified currency, and an integrated economic framework,” he asserted. “We must fund and build our own digital infrastructure and reduce dependence on external powers. Only then can we fully harness the transformative potential of AI for our continent’s inclusive growth and prosperity.”
The launch of Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South marks a significant contribution to the global discourse on ethical and equitable technological advancement, and underscores the strategic importance of Africa’s voice in shaping the digital future.
AFRICANS GLOBALLY UNITE DIVIDED WE’RE PERISHING
Dr Malusi Mncube
University of Johannesburg
Email: chairman@malusimncube.com
Cell: 078 86 81451
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