The Promise and Perils of Generative AI: Case Studies in an African Context

Chinasa T. Okolo

Abstract: As generative AI applications such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E, Bard, and others increase in ubiquity, concerns about the negative implications of these technologies are becoming more present in public discourse. However, little research has examined the impact that generative AI stands to have on African consumers and users who may be affected by its application in various fields such as education, healthcare, and social media. This work presents an early look into the implications of using generative AI within African contexts, exploring case studies of current generative AI use within Africa. These case studies examine the use of generative AI in marketing and for image and text generation. While the potential for generative AI in Africa is growing, this preliminary work aims to set a foundation for highlighting risks associated with generative AI while exploring how generative AI can be responsibly developed and used within African contexts.