A NEW ERA FOR AFRICA HAS BEGUN
AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence
In AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence, you’ll learn the fundamentals of AI, discover how it’s already being applied across Africa, and build your first AI project using simple tools. This course is not just about learning AI—it’s about empowering you to become an active contributor to AI development in Africa.
Discover the basics of AI
Discover the basics of AI and its potential to transform Africa from a technology consumer to a technology creator.
Understand the key technologies
Understand the key technologies driving AI and how they can be applied to solve African challenges.
Learn through real-world examples
Learn through real-world examples of how AI is being used across the continent in industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Explore Africa’s role in shaping the future of AI
Explore Africa’s role in shaping the future of AI, with insights into emerging opportunities for innovation and leadership.
Create your first AI tool
Create your first AI tool using Google’s Teachable Machine, applying AI to a local challenge.
Enroll TodayDiscuss the ethics of AI
Discuss the ethics of AI and how to build solutions that reflect African values.
AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, and Africa is poised to be a key player in this revolution. Whether you’re curious about AI or want to explore how it can be applied to solve local challenges, this beginner-friendly course is your gateway to understanding the technology that will define the future.
AI: Africa’s Gateway to Innovation
This course will introduce you to the transformative potential of AI, showcasing how it can drive innovation across Africa. You’ll learn about how AI can turn Africa from a consumer of technology to a creator, opening doors to new opportunities in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. This is your chance to get a foundational understanding of how AI can solve real-world challenges on the continent.
Hands-On Learning: Build Your First AI Tool
Experience AI in action by building your very first AI tool, no coding skills required! Using Google’s Teachable Machine, you’ll create an AI model that tackles a local challenge. This hands-on approach ensures that by the end of the course, you’ll not only understand the theory but also have practical experience with AI. A perfect starting point for those looking to dive deeper into the world of AI. No coding skills required.
Ethical and Responsible AI for Africa
As AI continues to grow in importance, so does the need for ethical considerations. This course covers how to create AI solutions that align with African values, ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and responsibility in AI development. You’ll explore how to avoid biases and create technology that benefits local communities while understanding the importance of ethical AI practices globally and in Africa.
AI ESENTIALS FAQs
Course Duration
1.5 hours Lecture
30 Minutes Activity
30 Minutes Discussion
Course Format: Webinar, online and access to recorded session as well as access to digital material, notes and worksheets after the session.
In person sessions coming soon
Program Cost
Regular price: $50
Subsidized Cost (Zimbabwe Youth Only): $25
Payment Methods
Visa/Mastercard
Ecocash
PayPal
2024 Course Schedule
November 6 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
November 13 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
November 20 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
November 27 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
December 4 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
December 11 – Spaces Available
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM CAT
Course Structure:
This introductory course demystifies artificial intelligence by covering its fundamentals, real-world applications, and the future of AI in Africa. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding of AI and how it’s shaping industries.
What is AI? The Big Picture
1. Introduction to AI, its definition, and its key components.
2. The potential of AI to transform Africa from a technology consumer to a technology creator.
3. The global landscape of AI and how Africa can carve out its own path in the industry.
How AI Really Works
1. A deep dive into the core technologies behind AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
2. Practical insights into how these technologies can be applied to solve African challenges, from healthcare to agriculture.
AI in Your Daily Life
1. A closer look at how AI is already being used in Africa, from mobile apps to smart devices.
2. Future trends and how AI could further impact daily life across the continent.
Demo: Build Your First AI Tool
1. Hands-on session where you’ll create your own AI project.
2. Solve a local challenge by training a simple AI model that reflects African needs and values.
***No prior technical experience required—this is a fun and easy way to get introduced to AI!
The Ethics of AI
1. Discussion on building AI systems that align with African values, ethics, and societal needs.
2. The importance of ethical AI development, avoiding biases, and ensuring inclusivity.
3. How to make sure that AI tools are used responsibly in local communities.
The Future of AI
1. How Africa can shape AI development and lead advancements in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
2. The role Africa could play in the global AI conversation and opportunities for Africans to contribute to AI innovation.
3. Your AI dream for Africa – Discussion
Choose your plan
AI Essentials
$30
This entry-level course is designed for absolute beginners, covering foundational concepts of AI, basic terminology, and an introduction to prompt engineering.
- 3hr Online Session
- Introduction to AI: Basics, Key Terminologies, and Everyday Use Cases
- Core AI Concepts and Applications
- Basic Prompt Engineering Skills
- Real-world Examples of AI in Daily Life
- Introductory Demo Projects
- Discount for Youth and Unemployed Individuals
AI Foundations
$159
For learners looking to deepen their understanding, this course covers a more comprehensive look at AI technologies, intermediate prompt engineering, and ethical considerations.
- Generative AI Essentials
- Intermediate Prompt Engineering with Practical Examples
- Key AI Models and Technologies
- Ethics in AI: Issues and Solutions
- Hands-on Projects Focused on Real-World Applications
- 2 Week Course – 2 * 3hr sessions
AI Innovators
$499
Tailored for those seeking an in-depth and hands-on experience, this course provides advanced AI techniques, in-depth prompt engineering, and a focus on applying AI to tackle local and global challenges.
- Advanced Generative AI Applications
- Advanced Prompt Engineering for Specialized Applications
- AI Tools and Algorithms with Practical Use Cases
- AI Project Development: From Concept to Execution
- AI Ethics, Ethical and Sustainable AI Practices
- 5 Week Course Online
What You’ll Gain
A strong understanding of what AI is and how it works.
Insights into how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges in Africa.
Your very first AI project, built with Google’s Teachable Machine.
Knowledge of AI ethics and how to build responsible, inclusive AI solutions.
A clearer vision of the future of AI in Africa and how you can be a part of it.
Why This Course Matters
AI is not just a tool for large tech companies; it is a powerful force with the potential to transform Africa’s future. By equipping Africans with foundational AI knowledge, we enable individuals to actively participate in the conversation around technology and innovation. This course serves as a stepping stone, empowering you to understand and interact with AI, sparking curiosity that encourages deeper exploration and continuous learning.
As you gain insights into how AI works and its applications, you’ll be better prepared to identify and address the unique challenges faced by our communities. This knowledge not only fosters informed discussions but also positions you to contribute to the development of AI solutions tailored to our needs. Join us on this journey to become part of the movement that shapes Africa’s technological landscape and drives positive change.
Be part of Africa’s AI revolution—start your journey with AI
Join Us Today!Explore Our Other Courses and Webinars
AI for Small Businesses: How to Use AI to Boost Productivity
This course explores how small businesses can leverage AI to enhance productivity, automate processes, and improve customer service. Participants will gain practical knowledge of AI tools that can help streamline their operations and drive growth.
Bonus Course – Generative AI tools
The Future of Work: AI Skills You Need to Thrive
This course prepares participants for the evolving job market, highlighting essential AI skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. You will explore trends in automation, data analysis, and digital transformation, positioning yourself as a future-ready professional.
AI-Powered Marketing: From Lead Generation to Closing Sales
This comprehensive three-week course provides a deep dive into how AI can optimize the marketing journey, from lead generation to customer relationship management, to closing sales. Participants will complete hands-on projects that demonstrate AI’s practical applications in marketing.
Meet Your Instructor: Maria MacAndrew
Maria MacAndrew brings over two decades of experience in technology and entrepreneurship, having studied microcomputer technology and witnessed the evolution of the digital landscape. Starting her career in a coffee shop, she steadily worked her way up, eventually founding and successfully exiting her own startup. Maria is also the co-founder of a global AI and AI ethics startup, where she continues to contribute to the responsible development of AI.
An advocate for AI education, Maria has contributed to notable projects, including a NASA workshop, and has edited and published important works in AI ethics. Her passion for empowering Africa’s youth to harness AI for societal good is at the core of her work, and she strives to ensure that young Africans play an active role in creating technological solutions.
As the leader of My Zalu, an environmental education initiative with representatives in 29 countries, Maria combines her commitment to technology with environmental stewardship. Through this project, she inspires young people to address pressing challenges like climate change by leveraging technology and storytelling for positive change.
Maria is committed to continuous learning and sharing her knowledge with others, firmly believing that Africa does not need to catch up; instead, it must lead in developing solutions that are relevant to Africa, for Africans, and by Africans.
THE STATE OF AI IN AFRICA AND BEYOND
AI NEWS AND RESOURCES
Stay informed with the latest developments in AI and how they impact Africa and the world. Our AI News and Resources section provides up-to-date insights, articles, and research on AI trends, ethical considerations, and practical applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these resources are designed to keep you engaged and empowered in the ever-evolving AI landscape.