| Japan 2025 Osaka Expo- gamechnahgger of pavilions celebrating community and natural worlds; mayor koike gamechnaging visist- tokyo values future of who more than anywhere in current who design and conflicts in health data investment peculiar to trump foci eg defunding mrna, distrusting research needed to prevent plagues tokyo ticad summit with africa potential gamechnager- to agree 300 memorandums with afrioca import/export bank; africa to rise wherever us tarif expoert market declines; agentic intelligence era celebrates leap in engineering brains everywher- see also africa next einstein network as one organic pan africa drive to make mathematicians coller than sporst stars- see eg meta now offering transfer fees to top ai wizards more than top sports stars. | happy 2019 Japan-Global -pope francis visit 23-27 nov -emperor reiwa worldwide celebration by people who love their places most oct 22..japan leds g7 support of sdgs at g20 (see osaka track and society 5.0) ticad, unga .. apec 2019 abe sets ai agenda for 2020s - deep transnational data osaka track- japan speciality soc3.0 how do 3 generations invest in each other- what should japan do about having lowest % of millennials and young engineering brains looking forward to maolympics Tokyo 2020 -
more on 2019 from EconomistDiary.com : people who love their place's youth/sustaianbility attending enthronement emperor and celebration of reiwa era's year 1: oct 22 include prince charles |
2025 some examples from Ticad Tokyo August
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is becoming one of the most versatile digital tools which is reshaping the world with how we gather and analyze data, enrich information, and use the resulting intelligence to help make informed decisions. AI is already transforming every walk of life regardless of where one lives in the world. This is true in Africa as well, where AI based solutions are addressing key challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and economic development. In many ways, it is being considered as one of the key digital drivers to help solve socio-economic challenges and accelerate sustainable development.
However, in order to truly harness the power of AI, there are many challenges that the African countries need to overcome as well. Limited Infrastructure, Scarcity and Quality of AI ready dataset, Skill Gaps and scarcity of AI talents, Ethical and Cultural Considerations, Governance and Regulatory Issues, Safety and Trust are some of the key challenges that the continent faces and must tackle.
Key Questions
Session1: Panel Discussion“Challenges and opportunities of AI in African development”
- What are the potential benefits of introducing AI into various different socio-economic and political development of the African continent?
- What are the key challenges which Africa need to tackle when it adapts AI for its development?
- How could government, development partners, academia, and private sectors can create synergy in the area of AI to promote digital transformation and development in Africa?
Session2: TED Talk Style Presentation “AI Talent development in Africa”
- What is the current condition of AI human capacity in Africa?
- What are needed to expand AI talents in Africa?
- How could development partners, academia, and private sector could collaborate to help build AI talents in Africa?
Objective
The purpose is to discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in African development, as well as methods for nurturing AI talent to support AI-driven development in Africa. It is expected that the results of this discussion will be reflected in various AI initiatives implemented in Africa.Speakers
Opening
- Mr. Naoki ANDO, Senior Vice President
- JICA
Keynote
- Mr. Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator and Under Secretary-General, Associate Administrator
- UNDP
Session1
- Hon. Aurelie I. Adam Soule Zoumarou, Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization
- Government of Benin
- Mr. Lacina Koné, Chief Executive Officer
- Smart Africa
- Mr. Tomoyuki Naito, Vice President and Professor, Graduate School of Information Technology, Kobe Institute of Computing
- Kobe Institute of Computing
- Ms. Natalie Payida Jabangwe, Executive Secretary/CEO
- Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation
Session2
- Mr. Doga Makiura, The founder and CEO
- Degas
- Ms. Pelonomi Moiloa, The founder and CEO
- Lelapa AI
- Prof. Yutaka Matsuo, Professor
- Tokyo University
- Erin Hirakawa, Officer of International Relations
- Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory
Closing Remarks Movie
- Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital
- World Bank
Facilitator
- Ms. Folly Bah Thibault｜Journalist and principal presenter
- Al Jazeera
fall 2025 update - how does grok see google isomorphics and africa example eg sickle cell
Is Google Isomorphic Labs Doing Anything on Sickle Cell Disease?Google Isomorphic Labs (often referred to as Isomorphic Labs, an Alphabet subsidiary spun out from DeepMind) is actively advancing AI-driven drug discovery with a broad mission to "solve all diseases" through models like AlphaFold 3. However, based on current public information as of September 15, 2025, there is no specific evidence of targeted initiatives or projects focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), often called "sickle science" in research contexts due to its focus on hemoglobin structure and red blood cell pathology.Isomorphic's work emphasizes general AI platforms for molecular modeling, protein-ligand interactions, and rational drug design across disease areas, including infectious and chronic conditions. For instance, they are collaborating with pharmaceutical giants like Novartis and Eli Lilly on undisclosed drug design challenges, and their technology is being prepared for first human trials in 2025. SCD, a genetic disorder affecting millions globally (with a high burden in Africa, where it impacts up to 300,000 newborns annually), could theoretically benefit from their tools—AlphaFold has already accelerated protein structure predictions relevant to hemoglobin variants in SCD. But no partnerships, grants, or announcements explicitly mention SCD. Ongoing NHLBI and other NIH-funded SCD research (e.g., nanoparticle therapies and gene editing) could intersect with Isomorphic's tech, but this remains speculative. If Isomorphic expands into neglected genetic diseases, SCD's prominence in African health priorities makes it a logical candidate, though their current focus appears more on oncology and immunology targets like TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy.Fields of Drug Discovery Where AlphaFold Parallels Are LikelyAlphaFold (particularly AlphaFold 3, released in May 2024) has revolutionized protein structure prediction, enabling "parallels" in drug discovery—meaning analogous AI-driven advancements in related fields. Its diffusion-based architecture predicts not just protein folds but interactions with DNA, RNA, ligands, ions, and post-translational modifications, slashing prediction times from years to minutes and improving accuracy by up to 50-100% in key areas. This has broad ripple effects, accelerating hit identification, lead optimization, and de novo design. Below is a table summarizing key fields where AlphaFold-like impacts (or direct extensions) are evident or highly likely, based on peer-reviewed analyses and applications. These "parallels" often involve integrating AlphaFold with machine learning for multitarget generative models, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Overall, AlphaFold's parallels are most pronounced in structure-based drug design (SBDD), where it reduces experimental costs by 10-100x and enables "in silico" hypothesis testing. Fields like virology and oncology see immediate impacts, while AMR and NTDs are ripe for expansion due to global health priorities. Limitations include rigid models (ignoring dynamics), but hybrids with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are bridging this.Google Celebrating African AI Youth with IndabaYes, Google actively celebrates and supports African AI youth through the Deep Learning Indaba (DLI), a flagship grassroots event strengthening machine learning (ML) and AI communities across Africa. As of 2025, DLI 2025 is scheduled for August 17-22 in Kigali, Rwanda, hosting workshops, hackathons, and networking for students, developers, and researchers. Google has committed $37 million cumulatively (announced in July 2025 in Accra, Ghana) to AI initiatives in Africa, including talent development, infrastructure, and events like DLI. This includes partnerships with organizations like Youth in AI (e.g., launching the Youth in AI Lab in Ghana, inspired by DLI) and support for IndabaX (localized DLI events in countries like Kenya and Nigeria). Google's involvement features keynotes, tutorials, and demos by their researchers, emphasizing "AI for social good" in areas like food security and language tech. These efforts align with Google's broader Africa strategy, such as adding 15 African languages to Voice Search and funding ethical AI hubs like Masakhane. DLI embodies "Masakhane" (building together), fostering youth-led innovation amid Africa's young population (over 60% under 25) and projected $30 billion AI economic boost by 2030.Is Indaba Doing Anything with AlphaFold 3?Direct collaborations between Deep Learning Indaba and AlphaFold 3 are limited as of September 2025, but there are strong indirect ties through Google's ecosystem and DLI's focus on AI for biology. DLI 2025 workshops (e.g., on NeuroAI, healthcare AI, and grassroots research) emphasize ML applications in drug discovery and bioinformatics, where AlphaFold 3's tools could fit naturally—e.g., sessions on predictive modeling for African health challenges. Google DeepMind (AlphaFold's creators) is sponsoring DLI 2025 with researcher-led activities, including potential demos of biomolecular prediction tools. No explicit "AlphaFold 3 at Indaba" announcements exist, but DLI's mission aligns with AlphaFold's open-source release (November 2024 for academics), enabling African researchers to use it for local projects. For example, Indaba alumni have applied similar DeepMind tech to virology and enzyme design. Broader DLI impact reports highlight AI capacity-building, with potential for future AlphaFold integrations in workshops on structural biology or NTDs. X searches yielded no recent posts on "Indaba AlphaFold3," suggesting it's not a headline activity yet, but Google's $25 million AI Collaborative for Food Security (touching on biotech) could extend to AlphaFold-like tools.African Urgent Diseases That Isomorphic Partners May PrioritizeAfrica bears 25% of the global disease burden but hosts only 1.1% of clinical trials, creating urgent needs for innovative drugs. Isomorphic Labs' partners (e.g., Novartis, Eli Lilly) and their AI platform could prioritize diseases with high unmet needs, leveraging AlphaFold 3 for rapid target identification in neglected areas. Based on WHO priorities, funding trends, and African-led initiatives like H3D (University of Cape Town), here are key urgent diseases, ranked by prevalence and innovation gaps. These align with Isomorphic's goal of tackling "intractable" targets, especially genetic/infectious ones affecting low-income populations.
Field in Drug Discovery | Description of AlphaFold's Parallel/Impact | Examples & Likelihood of Expansion | Key References |
|---|---|---|---|
Protein-Ligand Binding & Virtual Screening | AlphaFold 3 predicts binding poses and affinities, enabling rapid screening of chemical libraries against protein targets. Parallels: Improves docking simulations (e.g., AutoDock Vina) by refining predictions with ML, reducing false positives. | High likelihood; used in antibacterial compound design and lead optimization for antivirals. MIT studies show 20-30% accuracy gains for bacterial proteins. | , , |
Antiviral & Vaccine Development | Models virus-host protein interactions and antibody binding, aiding epitope design. Parallels: Extends to viral envelope proteins (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) and RNA complexes, accelerating mRNA vaccine iterations. | Very high; already contributed to COVID-19 research and malaria vaccines. Likely for emerging pandemics like mpox. | , , |
Cancer Immunotherapy & Oncology | Predicts immune checkpoint structures (e.g., TIM-3) and small-molecule inhibitors. Parallels: Enables rational design of bispecific antibodies and PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras). | High; Isomorphic's TIM-3 work demonstrates direct application. Parallels in tumor microenvironment modeling. | , , |
Enzyme & Metabolic Disorder Design | Simulates enzyme active sites for inhibitor design in metabolic diseases. Parallels: De novo enzyme engineering via generative models conditioned on AlphaFold embeddings. | Medium-high; impacts diabetes and rare disorders like phenylketonuria. Likely for synthetic biology drugs. | , |
Neurological & Protein Misfolding Diseases | Tackles amyloid formation in Alzheimer's/Parkinson's by predicting misfolded states. Parallels: Allosteric modulator design for rigid AlphaFold models. | High; addresses 50-year-old challenges in neurodegeneration. Emerging ML hybrids for dynamic simulations. | , |
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) | Identifies novel antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria (e.g., carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae). Parallels: WHO priority pathogen screening with ligand predictions. | Very high; urgent for tropical settings. AlphaFold aids in efflux pump and beta-lactamase modeling. | , |
Gene Therapy & CRISPR Off-Target Prediction | Models Cas9-DNA interactions and guide RNA designs. Parallels: Predicts editing outcomes for genetic diseases like SCD. | Medium; integrates with base editing tools. Likely for sickle cell gene therapies (e.g., exagamglogene autotemcel). | , |
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) | Accelerates structure-based design for parasites (e.g., Plasmodium for malaria). Parallels: Multitarget models for polypharmacology in co-infections. | High; direct malaria/TB applications. H3D Centre in Africa uses similar AI for NTDs. | , |
- Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum): Kills ~627,000 annually (95% in Africa); drug resistance rising. Prioritization likely: AlphaFold aids parasite protein modeling for new antimalarials. H3D and DNDi focus here; Novartis has malaria programs.
- Tuberculosis (TB, incl. MDR-TB): 1.5 million deaths/year; Africa has 25% of cases. Urgent for novel mechanisms; Isomorphic's ligand predictions suit TB enzyme targets. Eli Lilly has TB history; African innovators like Özlem Tastan Bishop use AI for rational design.
- HIV/AIDS: 34% of neglected disease R&D funding; co-epidemics with TB/malaria. High priority for long-acting therapies; AlphaFold parallels in viral protein design. Google's Africa initiatives include HIV tools.
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): Affects 20+ million globally (high in sub-Saharan Africa); genetic focus fits Isomorphic's protein expertise. Though not current, partners could prioritize gene therapies; NHLBI trials ongoing.
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT/sleeping sickness), Leishmaniasis, and Schistosomiasis: Endemic to Africa; low commercial incentive but high burden (e.g., HAT kills thousands yearly). DNDi/H3D collaborations; AlphaFold enables de novo screening for orphan targets.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Pathogens: WHO priority (e.g., carbapenem-resistant bacteria); Africa sees high rates in hospitals. Parallels in antibacterial design; urgent for pan-African trials.
- Cryptosporidiosis & Other Diarrheal Diseases: Major child killer; nitazoxanide ineffective in malnourished kids. Likely for Isomorphic's small-molecule focus.
| Africa Clean Energy Initiative | HICKARE Africa: Harnessing Innovation, Co-creation, and Knowledge for Accessible and Resilient Energy for Africa *As the event has already reached full capacity, general participation is available online only. | African Development Bank, World Bank, ESMAP, AUC, AUDA-NEPAD |
Speakers
- Mr. KAWAMURA Kenichi
- Senior Vice President, JICA
- H.E. Ms. Lerato Mataboge
- Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, AUC (TBD)
- Mr. Wale Shonibare
- Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation Department, African Development Bank
- Mr. NOMOTO Takaaki
- Director, Multilateral Development Banks Division, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan (TBD)
- Mr. MATANO Hiroshi
- Executive Vice President, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), World Bank Group (TBD)
- H.E. Mr. Adebayo Adekola Adelabu
- Minister, Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria (TBD)
- Mr. Woochong Um
- CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
- Mr. ASAHI Takahiro
- Manager, External Relations Department, Tokyo Office, DAIKIN Industries, Ltd.
- Ms. TANIUCHI Ai
- COO, WASSHA
- Mr. Simbini Tichakunda
- Principal Programme Officer for Energy, AUDA-NEPAD
- Mr. YAMAMOTO Masashi
- Director for Team 2, Energy and Mining Group, Infrastructure Management Department, JICA
- Eng. Stephen Dihwa
- Executive Director, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
- Mr. Amine Idriss Adoum
- Director Infrastructure, Industrialisation and Trade Directorate AUDA-NEPAD (TBD)
- Mr. July Moyo, Minister
- Minister, Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Republic of Zimbabwe (TBD)
- Mr. Bob Mabiala Mvumbi
- CEO, Agence pour le Dévelopment at la promotion du project Grand INGA (ADPI)
- Mr. HIRATA Tatsuya
- COO of Africa Division, Toyota Tsusho Cooperation, Deputy CEO of CFAO
- Mr. OISHI Takashi
- Executive Director, TEPCO Power Grid Co.
Objective
- To launch the new academic network between Japan and Africa, in which Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST, Egypt), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT, Kenya) and Stellenbosch University (SU, South Africa) act as “Hub” for networking and collaboration among African universities and with Japanese universities, which is called “AJ-INSPIRE” (Africa-Japan Initiative for Scientific Partnership in Innovative Research and Education)
- To discuss how knowledge co-creation and development of highly qualified human resource are promoted in terms of solving challenges for socio-economic development in Africa through collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
- To deepen understanding for development of education, research and academia-industry collaboration in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Africa.
Speakers
- Ms. Sachiko Imoto
- Senior Vice President, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Ousmane Diagana
- Vice President, Western and Central Africa
- Prof. Amr ADLY
- President, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)
- Prof. Robert Kinyua
- Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- Prof Deresh Ramjugernath
- Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Dr. Roberta Malee Bassett
- Global Lead for Tertiary Education and Senior Education Specialist, World Bank
- Mme. Hendrina C. DOROBA
- Division manager, Education and Skills Development Division, Human Development Department, African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Dr. Keiko Takei
- Chief Education Analyst, African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Mr. Shinsuke OKADA
- Director for international cooperation, International Science and Technology Policy Division, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- Prof. Shuji Shimizu
- Executive Vice President, Kyushu University
- Mr. Kohei Okada
- Executive Officer Deputy CSO
- Dr. Takasei Okano
- Senior Advisor, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Mr. Daisuke Ueda
- Deputy Director General, and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security, Human Development Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
2019
Tea party planned for royal guests from abroad | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191007_30/
olympics ?how youth sustain nations
Chris Macrae
osun open society un partners world sdg solutions eg 260 years adam smith alumni 50 of fazleabed.com what would you want
breaking 3/24 -japan olympics postponed for year thanks abe ..koike ..nbc ..jack ma ..and most of all every athlete -moore economistarts.com economistsports.net
breaking 3/24 american culture/values do not exist without sport. i am not saying this is a good thing- in 1999 i edited triple special issue of jnl of marketing management on brand reality- how millennials needed smart media and to mobilise big data platforms celebrating more action learning less ads -but now is the time to celebrate eg nbc tv distributor of the games message to japan and olympics committee- back their responsibility to choose when tokyo and global athlete star- moore Q&A welcome at co-blog MAolympics.com
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