Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly the subject of a global debate about the need for a regulatory policy framework. The reason is as widespread across Africa as it is in other parts of the world, but it occurs in a very different context and set of challenges.
Africa is deeply intertwined with global developments in artificial intelligence. For example, OpenAI is hiring Kenyans to monitor ChatGPT. Similarly, WorldCoin, a financial network rooted in artificial intelligence research, operates across the continent. However, the company was temporarily prohibited in Kenya over concerns about data privacy practices. In both cases, questions arose based on the tensions between the goals of global companies, data privacy and the priorities of low-income countries.
As in other parts of the world, artificial intelligence is part of a larger debate citizen-government trust. Across Africa, many countries are still relatively early in their electoral democracies. There is a fear that AI, social media and elections may threaten the steady progress of some countries. Alternatively, more politically closed countries on the continent are improving their ability to shut down the internet and use artificial intelligence-assisted online repression tactics.
However, there are clear social and economic benefits and opportunities for artificial intelligence. Smart agriculture, health information technology and local interventions, climate monitoring and adaptation, among others, are being developed and used across the continent.
The African Union (AU) and African Member States recognize these potentials as well as the unique challenges facing the continent related to development deficits in areas such as energy, digital infrastructure and education. It is also recognized that African countries generally lag behind in the development of AI action strategies and regulatory frameworks compared to other parts of the world, with less than half of the continent having strategies and regulations either under development or approved.
AU Continental AI Strategy
As a continental body, the AU plays an important role in setting the agenda and supporting member states in areas of common interest. The AU strives to play a key role in continental issues that transcend national borders and require continental cooperation. The AU provides leadership on these issues by collaboratively developing strategies and frameworks that African states can use to inform their policy and strategy development processes.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, AE has taken the lead in coordinating one Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy to ensure that AI strategies and regulations are appropriate, ethical and fair for African economies and societies; In June 2024, African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Communications Ministers endorsed the strategy and the AU Executive Council subsequently endorsed it in July 2024.
Under the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, there are five focus areas and fifteen action areas dedicated to “People-centred, development-oriented and inclusive approach” to regulate artificial intelligence. The areas of focus and action are based on the commitment of the African Union (and the Organization of African States before it) to remove colonial legacies and ensure fairer participation in global systems by investing in AI research and development beyond western, its Eurocentric origin. In addition, the strategy attempts to align with the development goals of the African Union Agenda 2063 while addressing the global and contextual risks from increasing use of artificial intelligence.
The AU Continental AI Strategy is expected to be a fundamental framework for the development of country-specific policies and regulations in African countries.
Case examples: AI strategy in Kenya and Ghana
The nationalization of the AU Continental AI Strategy is designed to provide common frameworks and understandings, while allowing the strategy to be tailored to a country’s specific context, needs, policies and goals. Several countries across the continent have ongoing AI strategies and regulatory development processes that take account of AU input, local factors and international guidance, such as UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
Kenya
Kenya has emerged as a top investment destination on the continent for global tech giants such as Google, Meta, TikTok and Microsoft. In addition, venture capital investments in the country have increased rapidly from 2021. Investments in ICT infrastructure are attracting other international companies and a vibrant tech-based startup culture, with some labeling Kenya a ‘Silicon Savannah’.
For the past six years, the Kenyan government has is increasingly focused on artificial intelligence. In 2018, Kenya established one Distributed Ledger Technology and AI Task Force, which was subsequently published a reference in 2019 recommending increased investment in infrastructure and skills and further proposed strategies to balance innovation and regulation in Kenya’s private sector. Kenya developed it National Digital Regulatory Plan 2022-2032 which encouraged the adoption of research and development in the AI industry and set out a strategy to increase AI capacity and regulation. In collaboration with development partners, Kenya is also working on FAIR Forward – Artificial Intelligence for All initiative as a step towards a national artificial intelligence strategy.
In addition to engagements with the African Union, UNESCO and the German International Development Agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) play a key role in supporting Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy to develop National Emerging Technologies and AI Strategic Frameworks.
Ghana
Similarly, in Ghana, artificial intelligence is being incorporated agricultural, mining, energyand health systemsamong other sectors; Google opened an AI research center in Accra. and the government is already investing in AI “infrastructure” and in areas identified by the AU Continental AI Strategy, focusing on digital literacy, training programs and physical infrastructure.
Many of these training programs focus on diversity and developing a more equitable workforce. For example, Ghana Tech Lab supports the enrollment of women in AI training programs; Similarly, the Ministry of Communications launched a program entitled “Ms. Gick”, aiming to increase gender diversity in STEM. Other initiatives include a technology lab exclusively for women launched in 2016 to promote women-led tech entrepreneurship.
Realizing that AI has already been put into practice by the private and public sectors in Ghana, the government has embarked on consultations and policy discussions to national artificial intelligence strategy. Like Kenya, the consultation and formulation process has received support through GIZ and UN agencies focused on promoting the development of local AI policy frameworks.
The Future of AI Policy in Africa
The AU’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy marks an important milestone for the continent and will be key to advancing national policies. Importantly, the strategy focuses on an Africa-centric approach that promotes partnership and cooperation between countries, while aligning with continental values. At the same time, recognizing the differences in the African context, whether economic, social or political, is important to ensure ethical and fair use and engagement of AI that enables the full benefit of digital transformation.
