As part of the second phase of the GRAIN project, an IPAR team made up of Diouli Kane, GRAIN project coordinator, Fatou Kiné Cissé, research assistant, and Ndeye Magatte Kebe, GRAIN project communications manager, took part in the fourth edition of SALTIS, held on 25 and 26 November.
Over two days, the exhibition brought together researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, representatives of public and private institutions, and young talent to discuss the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the development of the African continent.
The event brought together more than 200 speakers from Africa, Europe, Asia, and America to discuss a variety of topics such as smart agriculture, connected health, digital education, sustainable energy, tourism, and cultural promotion.
The team took part in the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the Senegal International Salon for Algorithms, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SALTIS), which brought together leading experts and stakeholders, including Mr. Ndiaye Dia, founder of the Senegal Algorithm Institute, Ms. Wedji Kane, general coordinator of SALTIS, Mr. Boubacar Roger Thiam, Director of Digital Economy Promotion, and Ms. Mariama Diop, founder of Dakar Network Angels.
This inaugural session provided an opportunity to take stock of the digital landscape in Senegal and Africa, highlighting the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the emerging opportunities.
For the GRAIN team, this participation was a strategic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the current dynamics of AI in Senegal, strengthen its understanding of the national ecosystem, and engage in fruitful exchanges with innovators and key players in the sector.
The panels highlighted several major issues related to research, development, and scaling of technological solutions. Although these challenges are not unique to Senegal, the discussions particularly emphasized the funding gap, both for research and development and for the market launch phases of innovations.
A round table discussion on the Technological New Deal brought together members of the National Digital Council, SONATEL, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions focused on sector-specific solutions, the structural challenges of the digital ecosystem, and the need to develop technologies adapted to local realities, particularly by taking national languages into account. The central role of the state in structuring and governing the digital ecosystem was also emphasized.
In addition, a keynote speech by Mr. Aymerou Ndiaye, a doctoral researcher, addressed data-related issues in Africa, highlighting existing challenges, opportunities to be seized, the continent's linguistic potential, and the importance of responsible data governance.
Finally, a special “Tech & Environment” segment showcased the KAIKAI project, which aims to improve the availability of local air quality data in Senegal, strengthen collaboration between stakeholders, train young people in the use of environmental data, and raise awareness of the impacts of air pollution.
The team's participation concluded with a roundtable discussion on scientific research and technological sovereignty, bringing together researchers and experts from the private sector to discuss research challenges, geopolitical issues, and the funding mechanisms needed to develop sustainable technological research.
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