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How Contextual Engineering is Closing the AI Agentic Gap in Africa

Update The Rising Importance of Contextual AI Development In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa has witnessed exponential growth, particularly within startups focused on sectors like fintech, logistics, and healthcare. However, as Tobi Adeosun sheds light on his innovative framework, Contextual Engineering, a significant challenge known as the "Agentic Gap" emerges in our conversations around AI in the African context. This gap refers to the structural imperfections that arise when popular AI tools are deployed in environments characterized by unstable power supply and unreliable internet connectivity. Many contemporary AI applications, such as AutoGPT and LangChain, are designed to function optimally in always-online conditions, rendering them ineffective in regions where technical infrastructure has yet to catch up. This inconsistency is not merely a technological oversight; it poses profound implications for operational costs, user trust, and ultimately, the success of startups striving to thrive in the African landscape. Contextual Engineering: Closing the Agentic Gap Adeosun’s solution lies within the principles of Contextual Engineering, where he advocates for an offline-first design approach to AI systems. This framework promotes storing actions locally through secure queues, which are executed once connectivity is restored. This innovative shift not only enhances user experience but also ensures zero data loss during periods of limited access. Adeosun emphasizes that the necessity of such mechanisms focuses not just on mere user interaction but also on fundamentally reevaluating infrastructural norms imported from Western contexts. Real-World Implications of the Agentic Gap The everyday experiences in cities like Lagos clearly underline the implications of this agentic gap. Short disruptions in internet connectivity can lead to significant task failures, potentially resulting in hallucinated AI responses and incomplete workflows. For startups operating on thin margins, this translates directly into heightened operational costs and diminished user trust. As Adeosun notes, addressing this challenge will not only refine AI functionalities but also improve overall business viability in resource-scarce environments. Looking Ahead: Architectural Sovereignty in African Tech Adeosun positions his work within a broader narrative of architectural sovereignty, advocating that African tech ecosystems must actively develop systems catering to local realities, without waiting for external influences to dictate terms. As stakeholders increasingly highlight ethical governance in AI development—similar to discussions outlined by the Media Council of Kenya—Adeosun’s framework aligns well with current calls for accountability and understanding of local contexts in AI deployment. Similarly, the importance of context-aware and responsible AI systems cannot be overstated. As pointed out in various discussions, including those facilitated by the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology (CIPIT), integrating ethical guidelines and local insights is critical for fostering public trust and ensuring the positive societal impact of AI technologies across the continent. A Growing Collaborative Ecosystem Since the introduction of the Contextual Engineering framework, Adeosun’s GitHub repository has piqued the interest of numerous founders, CTOs, and product managers across Africa, who seek to build AI products tailored to local conditions. The growing collaboration among innovators reinforces a collective aim to leverage AI's transformative potential while actively addressing structural challenges. For instance, initiatives in Namibia and South Africa emphasize developing localized AI models, highlighting a regional commitment to ensuring that AI serves African needs and contexts. Conclusion: Redefining the Future of AI in Africa By leading the charge against the Agentic Gap, Tobi Adeosun's contributions mark a pivotal moment in how African tech ecosystems harness the power of AI. Through his open-source initiatives and the advocacy for contextual frameworks, he is not only shaping the future of AI systems for Africa but is setting a standard that global tech communities might one day aspire to emulate. Closing the Agentic Gap isn’t just about improving technology; it’s about ensuring that AI can genuinely serve the needs of its users, irrespective of their geographical and infrastructural challenges.