The African ICT and Communications Ministers have unanimously endorsed the landmark Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation by unlocking the potential of the new digital technologies.
The AU said in a statement on Monday in Addis Ababa that the decision was made after more than 130 African ministers and experts, who convened virtually for the 2nd Extraordinary session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT to ignite digital transformation across the continent amidst rapid evolutions in the sector fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI) technology and applications.
“The Continental AI Strategy provides guidance to African countries to harness artificial intelligence to meet Africa’s development aspirations and the well-being of its people, while promoting ethical use, minimizing potential risks, and leveraging opportunities,” the statement said
It added that identifying key priorities and actions to ensure that Africa fully benefits from the huge opportunities AI offers, the strategy calls for Africa-owned, people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive approach to accelerate African countries’ AI capabilities in infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships while also ensuring adequate safeguards and protection from threats.
At the opening of the ministerial session, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, stated that Africa has resolved to harness new technologies for the well-being of Africans and to develop a Continent-wide approach and a harmonized journey for this revolutionary technology to tackle Africa’s complex and most pressing challenges, while minimizing the risks.
“For us Africans, Artificial Intelligence presents tremendous opportunities. It is a driving force for positive transformational positive change as well as economic growth and social progress,” said Abou-Zeid.
The Commissioner commended the endorsement of the strategy as a timely and strategic move.
“Adapting AI to African realities is critical. AI systems should be able to reflect our diversity, languages, culture, history, and geographical contexts. As we aim to create an inclusive AI ecosystem and a competitive African AI market that is adapted to our realities and meets our ambitions, we believe examining and approving this strategy will provide a common vision and path to accelerate responsible AI innovation and adoption in Africa,” Abou-Zeid said.
According to the statement, the strategy sets the roadmap for African countries to harness the potential of AI to achieve developmental aspirations to education and skills, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security and good governance by developing human capital, strengthening research and innovation ecosystems, and building an AI-ready institutional and regulatory environment to ensure AI works for African people.
MG/GIK/APA
African ministers endorse landmark Artificial Intelligence strategy
