The Togolese economy could potentially gain $172 million over ten years from the integration of artificial intelligence. However, to achieve this, the country must first overcome several hurdles, including improving young people's access to the internet. This is according to the Ayre Index, published on the sidelines of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda.
Togo scored 42.6 out of 100 on the Ayre Index, falling short of the preparedness threshold of 53. Out of 56 countries in the organization, Togo ranked 37th, with only 15 countries meeting the threshold. A notable paradox is that while 4G coverage reaches 99.7% of the population, less than half of young Togolese people (44.9%) use the internet.
The high cost of mobile data is a significant barrier, representing nearly 9.5% of the average monthly income and over a fifth of that for the poorest 40%. Internet reliability is also a concern, with nearly three out of four businesses reporting connection outages. Education is another weak point, scoring 2.5 out of 10, due to a lack of trained teachers and limited computer science in the curriculum.
Despite these challenges, the study praises several ongoing projects. Since September, the government has been testing "Voix du Togo," a program aimed at developing AI tools that can understand local languages such as Ewe, Kabyè, and Moba. The authorities are also training 101 specialists to run new pedagogical innovation labs and plan to introduce AI in technical education.
The study highlights the reality of youth entrepreneurship in Togo, where nearly one in four young people aged 18-29 run their own business, often due to a lack of employment opportunities. AI could help them increase productivity, provided they have access to the necessary skills, tools, and financing.
According to IMF scenarios applied by researchers, the economic gain from AI in Togo could range between $83 million and $262 million over ten years. The Ayre Think Tank conducts research on the possibilities and challenges created by emerging technologies, focusing on inclusion, connectivity, prosperity, and progress.
The Ayre Think Tank, in collaboration with the Calvin Ayre Foundation, seeks to determine how technological advancements can bring concrete benefits to individuals and communities. With the right approach, AI could be a significant driver of economic growth and development in Togo.
Key points
- Togo could see an economic gain of up to $262 million from artificial intelligence in ten years.
- The country's score of 42.6 out of 100 on the Ayre Index indicates a significant gap in preparedness for AI integration.
- High costs of mobile data and limited internet reliability hinder young Togolese people's access to the internet.
