WAIC: Leading African mathematician on AI and the continent's rise

As the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) concludes in Shanghai, leading African mathematician Abdon Atangana delivered a powerful critique of global scientific inequity during an interview, declaring that "when an eagle grows up with chickens, it thinks it's a chicken – until one day it notices it's not."

The African scholar, whose groundbreaking work in fractional calculus has reshaped mathematical modeling, spoke passionately about the need for true partnership between nations and the importance of mathematics as "the language, the grammar and the backbone of artificial intelligence" at this year's premier AI gathering.

The mathematical foundation of AI

When asked about mathematics' relationship with AI, Atangana was unequivocal. "To have good AI, we need predictive mathematics."

"Mathematics and AI are deeply interconnected," Atangana explained. "As mathematicians, we push boundaries that then enable AI to advance." At the same time, AI is also a powerful tool for math research that can help new ideas to emerge, he said.

A vision for inclusive AI development

Atangana calls for diversifying the AI landscape beyond the current China-U.S. dynamic. "I don't think it should be that one country is leading," he emphasized. "It's good if we can have three, four or five countries competing. When citizens from different countries work hard, everyone benefits."

Atangana believes AI's true potential lies in solving fundamental human challenges, especially in the Global South. "Africa has its own reality – we don't have electricity security, food security. I would like to see AI applied first to ensure everyone in Africa has food, electricity, education and healthcare."

Challenging scientific power dynamics

Atangana draws a stark contrast between Western and Chinese approaches to engaging with African scientists. "When I'm invited to China, I feel respected. But when I'm invited to the United States, I feel like I'm a kid."

He described the emotional toll of systemic racism. "When I arrive at the airport in the U.S., I'm suspicious – not because I've killed someone, but because I am black and from Africa. And I am one of the top mathematicians in the world. You understand that? I cannot accept that."

Atangana praised China's more collaborative approach. "The collaboration between China and Africa is still healthy ... We don't see the aspect of colonization." He emphasized that true partnership means "seeing Africa as human, working together as partners."

He also described China as "representing the voice of the Global South."

A message of hope and self-determination

Atangana delivered a powerful message of African self-determination. "There is a time for people to mislead us, and that time ends now. When an eagle grows up with chickens, it thinks it's a chicken – until one day it notices it's not. There is a time for people to bully us; to make us think we are chickens. And that time is near where we will recognize that we are eagles and we go up."

His vision is not anti-Western but pro-self-determination. "If I was in charge of Africa, I would not accept help from anyone. I would make sure I work hard, give my children the knowledge necessary for our continent to develop."

Cameraman: Wang Zekui