ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF AFRICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE: TOWARDS ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be employed in managing African cultural heritage. For the purpose of this study, the researcher employed two philosophical methods: hermeneutics and phenomenology. Through a hermeneutic lens, the study delves into the interpretive processes essential for comprehending and preserving the intricate array of African cultural artifacts and traditions. This method reveals the multiple layers of meaning inherent in cultural heritage and underscores the necessity of contextual sensitivity in AI applications. From a phenomenological perspective, the study explores the lived experiences of African communities as they engage with AI technologies aimed at protecting their heritage. This viewpoint highlights the personal and collective aspects of cultural heritage management, demonstrating how AI can either enhance or undermine the authenticity and integrity of cultural experiences. The paper contends that AI, when applied with a deep understanding of cultural contexts, can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development in Africa. The study therefore calls for a culturally conscious implementation of AI that respects and elevates local traditions and indigenous knowledge systems, thus promoting a sustainable and inclusive development trajectory. Furthermore, the study emphasizes AI's potential to act as a conduit between the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of economic prosperity, contingent upon a sophisticated appreciation of African cultural dynamics