The State of Artificial Intelligence Research in SADC Region - A Scientometric Assessment

This article uses scientometrics and text analysis to evaluate the state of artificial intelligence (AI) research in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The Web of Science (WoS) database is searched using over 100 key phrases in the approach that is being used. Additionally, 19 publications that publish artificial intelligence research are included in the search. The years 2013 through 2022 are examined. The major finding is that the SADC region is producing a small number of research publications. Furthermore, the centre of research activity in the field is in South Africa where more than 80% of the relevant research is produced. The main funders of AI research in the region are identified to be in the UK, Europe and China. The productivity of the AI producing organisations in each SADC nation is disclosed upon identification. It is argued that the political neglect of science, technology and innovation in the region is extended even to the field of artificial intelligence which has the potential to advance radically the developmental efforts in the region. It is suggested that collaboration among the research organisations in the region can ameliorate partially the political neglect of R&D in SADC.