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
