23 May 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI), computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, is emerging as a game-changing tool for non-profit organisations (NPOs).
AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately enables NPOs to make more informed decisions, optimise how they allocate scarce resources, and personalise interactions with donors, volunteers and benficiaries.
“AI technologies hold enormous potential for NPOs to enhance their operations, improve outreach, and optimise impact,” says Jacques Swart, operations coordinator at Inyathelo, a nonprofit trust founded in 2002 to help other NPOs become more sustainable.
Swart, who has two decades of experience in the civil society sector, plus extensive training in prompt engineering and related topics, recently led an AI training webinar to educate the sector on prompt engineering. This is the process of designing and refining instructions to get the best possible responses.
Swart listed the following examples of how AI can benefit NPOs:
Unlock hidden insights: Analyse vast data sets to understand your supporters better, predict needs, and personalise outreach.
Boost fundraising efficiency: identify potential donors, tailor messages, and automate tasks, freeing up resources.
Optimise operations: Automate admin tasks, streamline data management, and obtain real-time programme insights, for data-driven decisions.
Provide 24/7 support: Chatbots powered by AI can answer questions, offer resources, and schedule appointments.
“As you begin implementing AI processes into your work, you immediately unlock insights, and realise there is so much more you can do with large language models – super-smart computer programmes – in your organisation,” says Swart.
Inyathelo does not advocate a generic approach to fundraising, but encourages NPOs to view AI as a tool.
“AI is like having the world’s smartest intern, but you need to know how to interact with them. Prompt engineering is like giving your computer clear instructions so it can better understand what you want. The better the input, the better the result.
“Practise as much as you can to get the best answers and get AI to work the way you want to.”
According to the African Center for Economic Transformation’s publication Artificial Intelligence for Economic Policymaking: The Frontier of Africa’s Economic Transformation, research shows that AI contributes to meeting Sustainable Development Goals, targeting humanitarian relief, and addressing impacts of climate change,
The publication cites the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law at the Strathmore Law School in Kenya, which found 213 applications of AI developed in, or for use in, Africa across 33 sectors in 2021. These mainly focused on corporate services, health, agriculture, business intelligence and education. Applications mainly comprised data analytics, chatbots and decision support.
Research also reveals that, in most African countries, there are few comprehensive policy frameworks to incentivise responsible AI, regulate AI-driven business models, or promote the creation and capture of high-quality African data. According to the Government AI Readiness Index 2022, Africa was ranked the lowest compared to all other regions.
The 2023 index, however, showed encouraging progress. Three Sub-Saharan countries published new national AI strategies, and one announced a pending strategy. Mauritius leads the region, followed by South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, and Benin in the top five.
AI has challenges, says Swart, but transformational opportunities outweigh these.
“NPOs should navigate AI issues thoughtfully, maintaining ethical standards, and protecting their donors’ and beneficiaries’ privacy. NPOs that leverage AI will be at the forefront of social innovation, potentially having a more profound and lasting impact on the communities they serve.”
Caption: Jacques Swart, Inyathelo operations coordinator.
Research links: African Center for Economic Transformation – Artificial Intelligence for Economic Policymaking
Government AI Readiness Index 2022
Government AI Readiness Index 2023
Find out more about Inyathelo: https://www.inyathelo.org.za/ | email [email protected] |phone 021 465 6981.
Issued by: Meropa Communications
On behalf of: Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement.
Contact: Judy Bryant [email protected] 083 286 7168