Ubuntu AI: African Philosophy Meets Artificial Intelligence

Zain Verjee sits down with Wakanyi Hoffman, Storyteller and Indigenous Knowledge Scholar, to explore a much needed crossover:  Ubuntu ethics and Artificial Intelligence. In this episode we deep dive into the continent's rich storytelling traditions and how we can embed the values and concept of Ubuntu to provide an ethical framework for building AI systems. One in which indigenous communities can take ownership of their own stories. Through the lens of Ubuntu ethics, they discuss how indigenous knowledge systems could provide the ethical framework needed for truly inclusive AI development, particularly in Africa. The conversation reveals practical approaches to incorporating African values and storytelling traditions into AI systems while addressing crucial questions about data sovereignty and digital colonization.

Guest Bio

Wakanyi Hoffman is an author, African Indigenous Knowledge scholar, and global speaker of Ubuntu philosophy. She is a “global nomad”, currently splitting her time between the Netherlands and Germany. Wakanyi is currently the PhD lead researcher for African Sustainable AI at Inclusive AI Lab, which is under Centre for Global Challenges at Utrecht University. At The New Institute in Hamburg, Wakanyi is involved in the program "Conceptions of Human Flourishing".  Wakanyi is also a Kenya Education Fund board member dedicated to offering high school education to marginalized, gifted children. Additionally, her advisory role at The Contentment Foundation underscores her dedication to global well-being. She is also a valued board member at Seeds of Wisdom, championing indigenous elders’ wisdom and knowledge exchange. Her initiatives include founding African Folktales Project to bridge gaps between indigenous and contemporary African societies.

Key Highlights

• 🌍 Ubuntu's principles and their application to AI ethics

  
  



• 📚 The critical importance of preserving indigenous stories in AI training data

  
  



• 💡 Development of the Ubuntu AI bot and Compassion Bot

  
  



• 🔄 Data sovereignty and preventing digital colonization

  
  



• 🌱 Building Africa-centric AI systems and frameworks

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Episode Timestamps

  
  

  00:00 - Introduction and welcome 

  
  

  01:21 - Introduction to Ubuntu ethics and AI 

  
  

  03:13 - Defining Ubuntu protocols and principles 

  
  

  04:28 - African representation in AI training data 

  
  

  06:38 - Indigenous storytelling and AI 

  
  

  08:51 - Ubuntu AI bot development 

  
  

  12:04 - The five principles of Ubuntu 

  
  

  15:06 - Data sovereignty and African AI development 

  
  

  18:14 - Including marginalized communities 

  
  

  19:44 - The Compassion Bot project 

  
  

  22:22 - State of AI in Africa 

  
  

  24:43 - Addressing fears about AI 

  
  

  26:43 - Closing thoughts on African storytelling

  
  

  
  Featured Research & Projects

  
  
  
  

  • Ubuntu AI Bot Development

    
    
  
  

  • Service Space AI Compassion Bot

    
    
  
  

  • African Folktales Project

    
    
  
  

  • Indigenous AI Systems Project

    
    
  
  

  • Ubuntu Ethics for Business Framework

    
    

    
    

    
    

    Connect With Wakanyi

    
    

    Website: https://www.wakanyihoffman.com/

    
    

    Linkedin: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/wakanyi-hoffman-77a9671a4

    
    

    Her AI bot: https://www.awakin.ai/

    
    

    
    Connect With Embedded

    
    
    
    

    • Website: www.therundown.studio

      
      
    
    

    • Twitter: @Rundown_Studio_

      
      
    
    

    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zvgtherundown/

      
      
    
    

    • Substack: https://rundownstudio.substack.com/ 

      
      
    
    

    • Host: @Zain_Verjee (Twitter / X) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/zain-verjee-97747467/ 

      
      
    
    
    
    

    
    

    
    

    Resources 

    
    
    
    

    • AI Bot embedded with Ubuntu Ethics: https://www.awakin.ai/

      
      
    
    

    • Indigenous AI Systems

      
      
    
    

    • African Folktales Project

      
      
    
    

    • Conceptions of Human Flourishing