Introducing AfriClimate AI

Africa, with its diverse ecosystems and rich natural heritage, is not just a continent; it's a tapestry of vibrant cultures deeply intertwined with the environment. From the lush rainforests of the Congo Basin, serving as the planet's lungs, to the Sahara Desert's arid expanses, the beauty and uniqueness of Africa's ecosystems are a source of pride and integral to the African way of life. However, like all others, we as a continent face the imminent threat of climate change, which poses challenges that demand people-centric and context-aware solutions. Against this backdrop, AfriClimate AI, a grassroots community, was born with the vision to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a sustainable, prosperous, and climate-resilient Africa. The idea for AfriClimate AI emerged in September 2023 at the Deep Learning Indaba, Africa's largest annual gathering of AI researchers that took place in Accra, where we collectively realised the many opportunities for community-driven AI efforts in addressing this imminent threat.