"Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to imagine an Africa where innovation and technology close the gaps of inequality, ensuring that the gender digital divide is bridged and every individual, regardless of their background and socio-economic status, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society, “AUDA-NEPAD CEO, H.E Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas

On August 20, 2024, a landmark meeting was held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focused on "Shaping Africa's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Future: Strategies for Inclusive and Collaborative National AI Policy Development." This pivotal gathering underscored the urgent need for unified AI policies and strategies across the continent, essential for unlocking AI's vast potential to drive Africa's socio-economic transformation.

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, reinforcing that collaboration is crucial for realizing the benefits AI offers to Africa. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from African Union member states, academia, business leaders, and non-profit organizations. This diversity of voices highlighted AI's pivotal role in catalyzing economic and social progress. The consensus was clear: while AI has the power to revolutionize multiple sectors, it is imperative to craft policies that harness AI's potential while mitigating associated risks.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the acknowledgement of the Continental AI Strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to guide the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies across Africa. Recently endorsed by the African Union Executive Council during its 45th Ordinary Session, this strategy provides guidelines prioritizing ethical AI practices, workforce development, and capacity building. By aligning national policies with this continent-wide vision, Africa can ensure equitable distribution of AI benefits and that these advances reflect African values and priorities.

The economic potential of AI in Africa is immense, with projections suggesting it could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2030. However, realizing this potential requires frameworks that promote innovation and inclusivity. Meeting participants emphasized the importance of training and retaining local talent, enabling African countries to evolve from AI consumers to AI innovators. This transition is critical for empowering communities and fostering a sense of ownership over the technological advancements that will shape their future.

A key aspect of Africa's AI agenda is data sovereignty, which encompasses who owns, controls, and manages data within the continent. Africa's abundant resources and growing workforce necessitate proactive measures to ensure ethical data management. Addressing data ownership and control is fundamental for building citizen trust, encouraging local innovation, and protecting individual rights. This focus on data sovereignty is not merely a technical consideration but a cornerstone of transparent and accountable AI application.

In her address, H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the importance of a unified approach, stating, “For Africa to effectively harness the benefits of AI, we must ensure that our strategies are aligned, inclusive, and driven by our unique contexts and needs.” Her remarks underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that not only ensure ethical AI use but also enhance the quality of public and private services—a vital aspect closely linked to data sovereignty and service quality across sectors.

Throughout the discussions, several key questions emerged about the future of AI policy development in Africa. One critical consideration was whether Africa needs a strategic initiative similar to the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) to guide AI policy effectively. Such an initiative could help Africa navigate global trends and adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping a successful AI future, ensuring that Africa not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts a unique role in the global AI economy. Additionally, the capacity of African nations to host and manage large-scale data remains a pressing concern. Given the continent's abundant renewable energy resources, Africa is well-positioned to lead in green data initiatives and sustainable growth, further emphasizing the need for a strong, continent-wide AI strategy.

AUDA-NEPAD's plan on AI governance going forward is ambitious and strategic, focusing on establishing a robust Continental Mechanism on AI Governance. This mechanism will serve as a comprehensive resource, providing policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders across Africa with the tools and guidelines needed to navigate the complexities of AI governance. It will cover critical areas such as data privacy, ethical AI practices, regulatory frameworks, and AI’s role in sustainable development. Additionally, AUDA-NEPAD is developing a Digital Readiness Index to assess the preparedness of African countries for AI adoption, considering factors like digital infrastructure, regulatory environments, and human capital. These initiatives are designed to ensure that AI is adopted responsibly, inclusively, and effectively across the continent, positioning Africa as a leader in the global AI landscape while safeguarding the interests of its people.

The meeting also highlighted a growing call for the African Union (AU) to play a more active role in promoting data sharing among member states.

As Africa charts its AI future, it is crucial to strike a balance between protective regulations and incentive-based measures that foster innovation. Incentives, such as tax breaks for AI startups, grants for research, and initiatives to encourage private-sector investment, can create a supportive environment for AI development. These measures will not only stimulate homegrown AI solutions but also attract international partnerships, driving growth aligned with Africa’s unique needs.

Inclusivity and diversity are equally vital in AI discussions. To develop technology that truly serves all citizens, it is essential that voices from women, rural communities, and marginalized groups are heard. AI systems must be designed with a deep understanding of Africa's diverse social contexts to ensure they are appropriate and beneficial for everyone across the continent.

As the meeting concluded, a series of recommendations were put forward to guide African countries toward cohesive AI strategies. Establishing effective AI policies should involve broad public participation, ensuring local perspectives shape outcomes in each country. African nations should also engage actively in global AI conversations, positioning themselves strategically while advocating for their unique needs and interests. Clear policy guidelines on AI applications are essential, emphasizing capacity building and investment to ensure successful implementation across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and education.

In a rapidly evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, promoting innovation and research is critical for Africa's advancement. Investing in knowledge and research is essential for refining AI technologies, even in the face of financial and infrastructural challenges. Collaborations between universities, research institutions, and private companies can drive innovation, creating a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures AI advancements. Integrating AI education into school curricula from an early age will prepare future generations for the evolving technological landscape. By training teachers and encouraging youth to explore entrepreneurship and technical vocational education and training (TVET), Africa can secure a bright future for its workforce in the AI field.

Collaboration with strategic partners is crucial as Africa advances its AI strategies. The commitment of both governments and the private sector is essential to drive the continent’s transformation. The journey towards harmonizing AI policies across Africa has just begun, but with the right partnerships and collective action, the potential for progress is immense.

In conclusion, as Africa approaches a new digital era, the collaborative spirit and commitment demonstrated during this gathering will be essential in shaping a future where AI promotes sustainable development and empowers all African citizens.

For more information, contact: barbarag@nepad.org and nqobilez@nepad.org