Faith Leaders Wary of AI's Ethical Implications in Africa

Faith Leaders Wary of AI's Ethical Implications in Africa

The recent consultation in Nairobi, organized by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the Future of Life Institute, has brought to light the pressing ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. While AI holds the promise of transformative benefits, such as improved healthcare and agricultural yields, church leaders are urging caution and a deep ethical consideration of its impact on human relations and cultural identity.

The Moral and Ethical Dilemma

Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of the AACC, emphasized the need for faith leaders to engage deeply with the moral and ethical implications of AI. "We need to think and pray for wisdom so that we can safeguard the integrity and dignity of creation," he said. The consultation highlighted the critical role of religious leaders in guiding the ethical development and use of AI, ensuring it aligns with human values and faith.

Risks and Challenges

Humphrey Muchuma, founder and CEO of INUA-AI, outlined several risks associated with AI, including the potential to erode cultural and religious identity, the spread of disinformation, and the intensification of poverty due to job losses. "If left unchecked, AI poses a significant threat to human values, faith, and freedoms," Muchuma warned. The potential for AI to replace human emotional attachment and therapy is particularly concerning, as Rev. Dr Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel noted. "AI cannot replace human emotional attachment. A sizeable number of young people are already relying on AI for emotional therapy," he said.

A Call to Action

The consultation concluded with a series of actionable steps to address these challenges. These include:

1. Establishing a Permanent Working Group: The AACC will form an AI and Faith Working Group to provide ongoing guidance and oversight.
2. Developing Training Programs: Seminaries and Christian education curricula will incorporate AI learning to prepare future religious leaders.
3. Creating Policy Briefs: Churches will develop policy briefs for governments and the African Union to influence AI governance.
4. Formulating an Ethical Framework: An African-centered ethical framework for AI development and use will be created to ensure it aligns with local values and cultural norms.

Early Success in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence has already made significant strides. The coalition, a collaborative platform of Christians and Muslims, has convened multi-sector interventions to advocate for ethical, faith-informed governance of AI. Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, director of the Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, highlighted the importance of these efforts. "The activities mark a pivotal step in positioning Nigeria’s religious institutions as stakeholders in shaping the nation’s technological future," he said.

The Theology of the Economy of Life

Rev. Dr Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel emphasized the importance of addressing AI through the lens of the theology of the economy of life. This theological framework enables individuals to ask critical moral and ethical questions, ensuring that the development and deployment of AI serve the common good. "Challenges should be responded to through the lenses of the theology of the economy of life, knowing that not everything possible is morally and ethically appropriate for human wellbeing," he stated.

The Bottom Line

While AI presents significant opportunities for Africa, the ethical and moral implications cannot be ignored. By forming a dedicated working group, developing training programs, and creating policy briefs, African church leaders are taking a proactive role in ensuring that AI serves the people of Africa while preserving their cultural and religious identity.