AI, Libraries, and the Future of Knowledge in Africa: Key Insights from ICSKS 2025
By Musa Ntasikoi

Introduction: A Continental Dialogue on AI and Sustainable Knowledge
From April 14–16, 2025, Karatina University in Kenya hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Knowledge Systems (ICSKS 2025), a landmark gathering of researchers, librarians, policymakers, and technologists. Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Libraries, and the Future of Sustainable Knowledge in Africa,” the event sparked critical conversations on ethical AI integration, cultural preservation, and Africa’s digital transformation. Supported by Karatina University, Optimsists Concept Services (Netherlands), and partner institutions, the conference underscored the urgency of balancing innovation with equity in shaping the continent’s knowledge ecosystems.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Ethical AI

Theme: AI for Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable Knowledge Systems

The conference opened with a powerful keynote by Prof. Marlene Holmner, who challenged attendees:

“AI must enhance access while upholding ethical frameworks. In a data-driven world, knowledge should serve humanity—not the other way around.”

Key discussions included:

• Transparency in AI: Prof. Peter Gatiti stressed embedding ethics at the core of AI systems, warning against treating fairness as an afterthought.

• Inclusive Tools: Brenda Betty Kiema demonstrated AI-powered text-to-speech and adaptive interfaces revolutionizing library accessibility.

• Green Libraries: Dr. Diana Atuase highlighted AI’s role in optimizing energy use and sustainable workflows.

Research Spotlights:

• AI-driven disease detection (University of Nairobi).

• Smart agriculture solutions for food insecurity.

• Preserving Isukha indigenous knowledge using AI.

A recurring theme emerged: Africa’s youth need hands-on AI training. Dr. Charles Wahogo and Dr. Stephen Njoroge argued, “Students require practical AI tools to innovate and thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.”

Day 2: Innovations and African Perspectives

Theme: AI in Libraries, Archives, and Indigenous Knowledge

Day 2 centered on balancing innovation with cultural integrity:

• Indigenous Knowledge: Elphas Muruli cautioned against AI distorting heritage without community-led context.

• Archival Transformation: Nigeria’s National Archives, as shared by Ese Eunice Anenene, showcased AI reducing retrieval times by 40%.

• Policy Gaps: Isaiah Mang’eni and Dr. Ayodele John Alonge emphasized aligning AI with Africa’s social priorities to prevent digital divides.

Provocative Questions:
Naomy Mwaurah and Salome Kivuva asked, “Is AI a threat or ally? The answer hinges on capacity-building and trust.” Meanwhile, Ruth Kiilu championed AI-driven chatbots and semantic search to personalize library services while protecting user rights.

Day 3: Envisioning the Future

Theme: AI vs. the Library? Synergies and Tensions

The final day explored AI’s dynamic role in redefining libraries:

• Youth and Digital Activism: Dr. Victor Ntabo reframed Kenya’s Gen Z as “bottled energies using digital tools to challenge inequality.”

• Sustainable AI: Ms. Lydia Chegem noted, “AI’s success depends on skilled professionals and policies, not just technology.”

• Open Knowledge Sovereignty: Oyemike Victor Benson urged African libraries to lead the open knowledge movement, calling it “a fight for informational self-determination.”

Key Resolutions and Calls to Action

ICSKS 2025 concluded with seven urgent resolutions:

1. Embed Ethics: Integrate equity and transparency in AI design.

2. Curriculum Reform: Update LIS programs to include AI, data ethics, and governance.

3. Indigenous Leadership: Let communities guide AI documentation of heritage.

4. Green Libraries: Use AI for energy-efficient, eco-friendly practices.

5. Inclusive Access: Adapt AI tools to African languages and rural contexts.

6. Policy Frameworks: Governments must regulate AI to align with development goals.

7. Invest in Infrastructure: Prioritize connectivity and human capital.

A Final Word from the Conference Chair

“Let this mark the start of a pan-African movement to humanize AI and empower libraries as digital age catalysts.”
— Dr. Ayodele John Alonge

Next Steps

• Proceedings: Open-access publication of ICSKS 2025 papers.

• Regional Hubs: Universities invited to collaborate on AI innovation hubs.

• ICSKS 2026: Host applications open—contact icsksafrica@gmail.com.

Stay Connected
🌐 Website: www.icsksafrica.org | 📧 Email: icsksafrica@gmail.com | 🐦 Twitter: @ICSKS_Africa | 📌 Hashtag: #ICSKS2025

Conclusion
ICSKS 2025 wasn’t just a conference—it was a rallying cry for Africa to shape its AI future. As libraries evolve from analog repositories to digital hubs, the continent’s challenge remains clear: harness technology without erasing humanity. The question now is, How will your institution contribute to this vision?

ICSKS2025 Photo Albums
Relive some of the most memorable moments from the conference! Browse through the official photo albums below:

📷 Day 1 Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/tnqrdpxJkRVbphFm9

📷 Day 2 Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/reYSMjETFdCAH4oH9

📷 Day 3 Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/bnNsZxACuGzNXoCp8