TechCrunch is showcasing remarkable women in the AI field, and one of those women is Charlette N’Guessan. N’Guessan is the Data Solutions and Ecosystem Lead at Amini, a startup that combines space technology and AI to address data scarcity in Africa. She also co-founded Bace API, an identity verification system that uses AI-powered facial recognition to combat online identity fraud and biases within the African context. N’Guessan is passionate about using technology to positively impact her communities.
N’Guessan’s journey in AI began when she relocated to Ghana in 2017 to learn from the anglophone market and start her tech entrepreneurial journey. Through market research, she identified the challenge of online identity fraud in the financial sector. This led her to develop a secure solution using facial recognition and AI technologies to bridge the gap in serving unbanked populations and establish online trust. Although her product faced challenges in 2023, N’Guessan remained determined to continue working in the AI field.
What attracted N’Guessan to AI was its potential to solve societal problems. She believes that women have made remarkable contributions to science and technology, leading to impactful advancements. However, the tech industry, including AI, remains male-dominated. N’Guessan acknowledges the societal biases and gender stereotypes that shape this industry but emphasizes the importance of encouraging girls to study science and pursue careers in AI. By providing equal opportunities and access to leadership positions, gender balance can be achieved.
When asked about her proudest work in the AI field, N’Guessan highlights her journey as a deep tech entrepreneur. Building an AI-driven startup in Africa comes with its own set of challenges, making it a significant achievement for those who embark on this path. Currently, N’Guessan is proud of the work she and her team do at Amini, where they tackle data scarcity by using space technology and AI to make data accessible and comprehensible. This work serves as a game-changer for the African market.
As AI continues to evolve, there are pressing issues that need to be addressed. One of these is the articulation of AI’s short-term and long-term impacts on humans. While AI has shown impressive applications globally, there are concerns about biases and hallucinations within AI models. Questions about the future of humans in the AI loop, appropriate approaches for regulations and policies, AI responsibility, and accountability also need answers.
N’Guessan believes that as AI users, individuals must be aware of certain issues. Users should understand the extent of control they give to AI systems over their data and be cautious about generating content that can be misleading or false. Additionally, users should avoid becoming overly dependent on AI tools to prevent potential mental health issues arising from unethical practices.
Building responsible AI requires considering several key principles. Context matters, and models should address societal discrimination. Accessibility ensures that all users, even those in remote areas, benefit from AI solutions. Accountability is crucial when dealing with biased or harmful results. Explainability ensures that stakeholders can understand AI model results, and data privacy and safety protect users and comply with existing laws.
Investors have a role to play in promoting responsible AI. They should look beyond trends and evaluate AI solutions at both the technical and impact levels. Working with industry experts can help investors gain a better understanding of the technology and its potential impact.
In conclusion, Charlette N’Guessan’s journey in the AI field showcases the significant contributions women have made to this industry. Her work at Amini and Bace API demonstrates the potential of AI to solve real-world problems. However, challenges such as gender imbalance and ethical concerns remain. By encouraging more women to enter the field, providing equal opportunities, and promoting responsible AI practices, the industry can continue to grow and make a positive impact on society.