In today’s rapidly developing world, the BRICS countries are at a turning point. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence provides an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the dissemination of knowledge and meet the dynamic needs of various industries. To capitalise on this potential, BRICS countries are coming together to share their experiences.

In 2024, these countries are expected to continue to invest in key technology sectors and advance AI innovation.

To cooperate on technology development, the BRICS countries have established a joint working group on digital technology and AI to develop joint projects and share knowledge.

The BRICS countries are also cooperating on the development of joint facial recognition systems and cross-border data sharing networks. They are simplifying regulatory frameworks, investing in education and research, and supporting AI start-ups.

The state of technology and AI development in the BRICS countries

BRICS members include countries with different levels of technological development. However, each BRICS country is engaged in technological progress in all sectors.

Russia’s National AI Strategy: Goals 2024

Russia is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) as a key priority for its economic and technological development. Russia’s National AI Strategy, adopted in 2019, outlines the country’s vision and goals for AI development.

In 2024, special attention will be paid to the development and implementation of AI agents and AI services aimed at increasing employee efficiency and optimising business processes.

Artificial intelligence will be used to automate routine tasks, improve customer service, personalise marketing, enhance analytical capabilities, and improve decision-making. This will lead to an AI-centric culture in companies.

The country’s priority in AI and emerging technologies is to develop quantum computers and technologies, invest in AI research and development, support AI startups, and develop the AI ecosystem.

Mikhail Khachaturian, Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Innovation, Faculty of the Higher School of Management, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation in an exclusive commentary to TV BRICS emphasised Russia’s areas of greatest concentration in AI:

“In Russia, AI is being actively introduced into such an important area of medicine as radiology. In this field, the main task of AI is to analyse the results of radiological examinations in order to identify certain patterns and coincidences, as well as to summarise the information for subsequent human decision-making”

Mikhail Khachaturian Expert in the field of BRICS countries economics

China’s AI development strategy

China has ambitious plans to become the world leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2024. The country’s AI initiatives are focused on developing core AI technologies, promoting AI research and innovation, and fostering the growth of the AI industry.

Among the key AI-enabled technologies being developed in China at the moment are the following:

· Machine Learning (ML): Developing advanced ML algorithms and models.

· Natural Language Processing (NLP): Creating AI systems that can understand and generate human language.

· Computer Vision: Developing AI algorithms that can interpret and analyse images and videos.

· Robotics: Advancing AI-powered robotics for various applications.

· AI Security: Ensuring the safety and security of AI systems and data.

China is also considering launching a BRICS centre for cooperation in the development of AI technologies. This was announced in January this year by Vice Foreign Minister of China Ma Zhaoxu at a meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas during the Russian Chairmanship.

South Africa’s artificial intelligence planning

The National AI Plan approaches computing in a logical sequence that will kick-start implementation and provide direction to all stakeholders. The plan begins with an overview of the AI landscape and its consideration of the South African landscape. South Africa is guided by the report of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR), which sees AI as a technological enabler for our social and economic prosperity. 

The country has witnessed several AI initiatives from the government, the private sector, academia, and civil society and decided that the best approach would be to develop a plan that encompasses everyone. The aim of the plan is to ensure that all key AI stakeholders can agree on national priorities and goals that will ensure prosperity and growth through the adoption of AI.

By focusing on key AI technologies, encouraging innovation and adoption, and emphasising the use of AI for social purposes, South Africa intends to capitalise on the many benefits that AI can bring.

Brazil’s AI Initiatives for 2024

Brazil is making significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to propel its economic and social progress. The nation has introduced a range of AI projects for 2024, aiming to utilise AI to tackle societal issues, enhance public services, and foster innovation across multiple industries. Brazil is harnessing AI to tackle critical social issues, such as:

· Healthcare AI: Utilising AI for disease diagnosis, personalised treatment strategies, and remote patient supervision.

· Educational AI: Implementing personalised learning systems, adaptive evaluations, and AI-driven educational resources.

· AI for Alleviating Poverty: Introducing AI-based poverty mapping, tailored social aid, and promoting financial inclusivity.

· AI for Environmental Conservation: Employing AI for environmental surveillance, detection of deforestation, and mitigation of climate change.

Brazil is actively participating in global collaboration on artificial intelligence. The nation has established partnerships with prominent AI entities and academic institutions worldwide to exchange expertise and work together on AI advancements. Moreover, Brazil organises international AI gatherings, including the AI for Good Global Summit.

Ethiopia’s Initiatives in AI

Ethiopia has undertaken several initiatives to foster the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. Here are some of the key initiatives:

· AI4D Ethiopia: A research centre established by the government to apply AI to solve local problems. AI4D Ethiopia collaborates with universities, industry, and international partners to conduct research, develop, and deploy AI-based solutions.

· National AI Strategy: The government is developing a national AI strategy that will define the vision, goals, and roadmap for AI development in the country. The strategy will aim to coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

· AI Centres of Excellence: Ethiopia is establishing AI centres of excellence in universities and research institutions. These centres will serve as platforms for AI research, training, and innovation.

In addition to these initiatives, Ethiopia also participates in regional and global AI forums, such as the African Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Partnership on AI. These platforms allow Ethiopia to learn from other countries, share best practices, and attract international partners for collaboration in AI.

UAE AI Initiatives for 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to prioritise AI as a key driver of its economic and social development. In 2024, the country plans to launch several new AI initiatives to further advance its AI capabilities and drive innovation across various sectors.

The UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, launched in 2021, provides a roadmap for the country’s AI development over the next decade. The strategy outlines a number of key initiatives for 2024, including:

· National AI Observatory: A central platform to monitor and evaluate AI adoption and impact across the UAE.

· AI Sandbox: A regulatory sandbox that allows businesses to test and deploy AI solutions in a controlled environment.

· AI Talent Development Programme: A comprehensive programme to develop and nurture AI talent in the UAE.

Moreover, in 2024, the country plans to host the World AI Congress, bringing together global AI leaders to share knowledge and collaborate on AI development.

Growth of Iran’s AI Industry

AI is expected to contribute significantly to Iran’s economic growth by creating new industries and jobs. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held a meeting in March 2024 focusing on “big steps” in the field of artificial intelligence. The country has already invested in cyber capabilities, and the use of AI is one of the technologies many countries are now investing in.

In 2024, the country will be particularly focused on attracting foreign investment and encouraging international companies to invest in Iran’s AI sector. According to Iranian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi the country wants to train 100,000 people in the digital economy sector.

Egypt’s AI roadmap

The government’s efforts to digitally transform Egypt’s economy should take a significant step forward with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS).

The NAIS document, which outlines the first phase of Egypt’s AI strategy until 2023, also offers a glimpse of the two future phases through 2030.

Phase two is a three-year plan that will identify more sectors for strategic implementation of AI. The document mentions education, banking and other financial services, oil and gas, and supply chains.

That stage would focus on scaling pilot AI projects in the government and formal educational institutions with an “emphasis on preparing the next generation of AI researchers.”

Phase three involves Egypt’s AI from 2028 to 2030. “The emphasis will be on strengthening core research capabilities in the country and translating them into sustainable solutions.”

During that time, the government will have concluded the AI awareness campaign that started in phase one while “producing high-end data scientists and machine-learning researchers,” as noted in the strategy.

India’s AI development strategy

More Indians than anybody in any other nation will utilise AI on a daily basis by the end of this decade. Almost every Indian has a digital identity these days. With the 12-digit unique identity number, people can digitally authenticate themselves, demonstrating that they are who they say they are.

India also established an affordable, real-time, and cross-platform payment system. This implies that every bank customer can instantaneously and for free pay any other customer or merchant using any other bank. India is welcoming innovation in open networks as digital public infrastructure as a result of these models’ success.

The PM-Kisan chatbot was introduced by the Indian government in September 2023. In order to provide financial assistance to farmers who own their own land, this AI chatbot collaborates with PM-Kisan, India’s direct benefit transfer programme for farmers, which was launched in 2019.

BRICS countries’ joint perspectives

During the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, a research committee was formally established to focus on advances in artificial intelligence. The BRICS Alliance, which includes Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, will work together to monitor and analyse AI.

According to Mikhail Khachaturian emphasises the importance of uniting the BRICS countries:

“A mutually beneficial approach based on artificial intelligence could accelerate research co-operation, knowledge sharing and skills development within the BRICS alliance. It is important to note that the main emphasis in the development of AI projects in the BRICS countries today is on the development of generative AI; the most significant projects are those on the application of AI in medical and biotechnological research, development and application of neural networks in the financial sphere, geological exploration, urban economy, and educational sphere”.

In order to effectively implement AI, countries participated in the 3rd Global Innovative Media Forum, where experts discussed shared responsibility when using artificial intelligence. More than 200 representatives from international organisations, media, think tanks and multinational companies exchanged views on how to implement AI in work processes.

The Forum was a new step in promoting international exchange and co-operation in the field of AI governance.

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