X Nubia Phi: Afrofuturist Network

Do you want artificial intelligence to decide your vote?

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“With preferential voting, political parties and candidates already issue how-to-vote cards. But what if an AI service could create a personalised how-to-vote card for each and every one of us?”

Source: https://phys.org/news/2019-05-politics-artificial-intelligence-vote-election.html

As #ArtificialIntelligence (#AI) becomes more ingrained in every aspect of our lives, it’s important to understand the possible impacts it may have if we let it make decisions for us. Do you want artificial intelligence to decide your vote?

#afrofuturism #blackfuturist #xnubiaphi #afrophysicist #afronaut #afroscientist #afrochemist #afrobotanist #afrotechnology #afroexplorer #afrohorticulturist #blackgenius #blackengineers #NSBE #afroengineers #blacktothefuture #darkmatter #darkscience

African ride-hailing app gets funding

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“According to The Guardian, the African ride-hailing company raised more than US$1 million from Shell Foundation, Global Innovation Fund, Development Innovation Ventures, and a private tech company in 2016.”

Source: https://www.techinasia.com/allianz-go-ventures-back-african-ride-hailing

More and more innovative apps are coming out of African countries. How can we share technology and ideas across the ocean? Let’s discuss it in the solutions room on X Nubia Phi.

One step closer to an African space program

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences to begin operation soon”

Source: https://africanews.space/the-pan-african-university-institute-for-space-sciences/

The Pan African University (PAU) Institute for Space Sciences curriculum includes Space Engineering (Satellite Engineering, Ground Segments), Space Sciences (Space Physics, Satellite Communications, Navigation and Positioning), and Space Applications (Astronomy and Earth Observations). I’d be curious to know what projects Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, North-West University, Durban University of Technology, University of Fort Hare, University of Pretoria, and University of KwaZulu-Natal have these graduate students working on. I’m sure some inner city classrooms would love to connect with these African grad students. How can we make that happen?

Organizations partner with African women entrepreneurs

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading media relations consultancy and press release distribution service in Africa and the Middle East, has been named Principal Partner to the Africa Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) Conference to assist in amplifying the forum’s message and core objective of empowering women entrepreneurs across the African continent.”

Source: https://www.africanews.com/2019/05/08/apo-group-and-africa-women-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-forum-awief-partner-for-deeper-impact-on-african-womens-entrepreneurship/

The AWIEF appears to be moving it’s agenda forward with a very powerful strategic partnership. Think about how much more progress our communities would make with such partnerships, especially with Black-owned businesses…

Digital Lab Announces Africa Pitch Competition Winners

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“From the 500 applications spread over 30 sub-Saharan countries, 10 creatives from countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mali and Ghana were selected. These individuals stood out in the selection committee interviews based on their talent, creativity and ability to motivate their ideas…”

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/333219

The winners each receive a R42 000 ( about $3,000 USD) cash prize and “a tailor-made incubation programme to accelerate their project development. This includes mentorship by French and sub-Saharan creative industries experts, a residence period in France with a digital cluster/hub, and participation at industry events in France and/or in Sub-Saharan Africa.” What a novel idea! Let’s talk about how we can use this idea to support marginalized communities both domestic and abroad.

Can digital farming end famine in Africa?

May 14, 2019 (updated May 14, 2019)

“Digital farming… is a means of applying new technologies such as data science, advanced sensors in the field and from space, digital communication channels, and automation out on the field.”

Source: http://venturesafrica.com/digital-farming-and-the-quest-to-stop-famine-in-africa/

Apparently, digital farming makes the overall farming process much more efficient, by enabling both large and small farmers to make more informed decisions about weather, soil conditions, and other factors that affect yield. Bravo! Now, how do we use this tech to end famine in Africa?

Putting drones and other driverless aircraft to work

May 13, 2019 (updated May 13, 2019)

“Billions of dollars are being spent by aviation giants and aerospace startups to create driverless flying vehicles that can meet the growing need for rapid and flexible travel and delivery.”

Source: https://phys.org/news/2019-05-advancement-driverless-aircraft-future-drones.html

Drones and other driverless aircraft technology create an enormous opportunities for people in isolated communities or in remote locations in emerging countries. How can Africans worldwide access, use, and/or improve this technology to improve the lives of other Africans worldwide?

#afrofuturism #blackfuturist #xnubiaphi #afrophysicist #afronaut #afroscientist #afrochemist #afrobotanist #afrotechnology #afroexplorer #afrohorticulturist #blackgenius