非洲有一句广为流传的谚语：“当大象打架时，受伤的是草地。”政策研究员南吉拉·桑布利（ Nanjira Sambuli ）指出，我们应当将这种思维应用于当今人工智能的发展，思考这样一个问题：当科技巨头争夺主导地位时，究竟是谁在这一过程中被践踏？她提出了一种面向人工智能的全新伦理指南，并展示了非洲大陆的人们如何为科技的未来探索出一条不同的道路。

祖先的智慧能为人工智能带来什么启示

Big tech battles over AI often overlook the people and environments most affected by these advances. Drawing from the African proverb, "When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers," African innovators are shaping AI using the philosophy of ubuntu, which values community and mutual responsibility. One standout example is an AI language model inspired by the dung beetle, designed to be efficient and accessible for local languages. These efforts center data justice, prioritizing participation, consent, and community benefit over mere technological dominance.

Ubuntu Inspires A People-First Revolution In African AI

The proverb 'When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers' reframes how Africa sees the global AI race. Instead of letting tech giants trample local people and cultures, African innovators draw on ubuntu—a philosophy emphasizing shared humanity and respect for nature. Inspired by the dung beetle, engineers have built small but powerful language models that require fewer resources yet outperform larger rivals in key tasks. Collaborative projects now resource Africa’s own languages and knowledge, proving that new paths for AI are possible.

Ubuntu Wisdom Challenges AI’s Race For Power And Resources

The evolution of artificial intelligence is often framed as a contest among global powers, but those most affected are frequently overlooked. In Africa, a philosophy rooted in ubuntu reimagines technology as a force that centers community, ecology, and shared humanity. Projects like a small yet powerful AI model inspired by the dung beetle show how local innovation thrives with limited resources. Instead of competing for dominance, these efforts prioritize participation, data justice, and the preservation of Indigenous languages.