Ethiopia is making significant strides in leveraging artificial intelligence to transform its healthcare sector, with a groundbreaking project focused on early cancer detection. Samuel Rahmeto, the director of natural language processing research at the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, unveiled details of an AI-powered technology currently undergoing trials that promises to revolutionize the diagnosis and staging of cancer within the country.
This cutting-edge AI system is designed to precisely identify the location of cancerous cells in the human body and accurately determine the stage of the disease, offering critical insights for timely intervention and treatment. Among the specific initiatives, a dedicated project addressing breast cancer is also in advanced testing phases.
The Institute's work extends beyond this vital healthcare application. Building on its commitment to integrate Ethiopia's rich linguistic diversity into AI, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute is actively developing capabilities for Amharic, Afaan Oromoo, Tigrinya, and Somali to become "machine languages." This initiative will enable AI systems to understand and process these indigenous tongues, making advanced technology more accessible and beneficial across various sectors.
Beyond healthcare, Samuel highlighted ongoing efforts to develop AI solutions supporting the agriculture and education sectors. In education, for instance, AI projects are being created to tailor learning experiences based on individual student behavior, ultimately enhancing knowledge acquisition.
"AI technology is simplifying work across the board," stated Samuel, underscoring its transformative potential for the nation. Ethiopia established the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute in 2019 (2012 E.C.), demonstrating its proactive commitment to becoming a leading force in AI development across Africa. This strategic investment positions Ethiopia at the forefront of AI innovation on the continent, focusing on solutions that are deeply relevant to its own linguistic and societal needs.