Cooperation in action FAIR Forward – Artificial Intelligence for All

    FAIR Forward is a German development cooperation initiative to promote the open and sustainable use of artificial intelligence, and forms part of the German government’s AI strategy.

    Logo: FAIR Forward

    Website FAIR Forward

    The initiative works with partner countries Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia and India to provide access to training data and AI technology to support local AI innovations, expand local AI skills and foster a political enabling environment for values-based AI and better data protection.


    Example India Using AI to fight cotton pests

    There are around 5.8 million cotton farmers in India. Each year, around 30 per cent of their crop is destroyed by cotton bollworm. There is now an app to help cotton farmers combat these pests. The app can indicate whether plants have been affected by cotton bollworm based on a smartphone photo. Using artificial intelligence, it then calculates the best time to take preventive action against the pests and make efficient use of pesticides. The CottonAce app was developed by the BMZ’s FAIR Forward initiative in collaboration with the Indian organisation Wadhwani AI.

    Example Uganda AI-based recommendations for renewable energy locations

    Nancy Amito in front of her restaurant

    Nancy Amito in front of her restaurant

    Nancy Amito owns a small restaurant in a village in Lamwo District in the Northern Region of Uganda. Around 90 per cent of the population in this region has no electricity access.

    There is now a tool that uses satellite images to recommend locations for sourcing renewable energy, thereby helping to expand the energy supply in rural areas. The programme uses artificial intelligence and was developed by the BMZ’s FAIR Forward initiative in collaboration with the company Sunbird AI.

    The programme is helping Uganda’s Ministry of Energy to identify good locations for renewable energy more easily. Nancy Amito’s village is one of 25 villages in Lamwo where small-scale solar power systems have been installed.

    The reliable energy supply enables Nancy to light her restaurant, which means she can extend her opening hours and serve more customers. This has doubled her daily income.

    As at: 28/05/2024