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African ICT and Communications Ministers have unanimously adopted the “Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact” to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation by leveraging the potential of new digital technologies.
This decision was announced in a statement published on the African Union’s (AU) official website on Monday.
The statement detailed that over 130 African ministers and experts convened virtually from June 11 to 13, 2024, for the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT. The goal of the session was to spark digital transformation across Africa amidst rapid advancements in 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.
The strategy outlines key priorities and actions to ensure that Africa fully benefits from the vast opportunities AI offers. It calls for an “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.”
During the opening of the ministerial session, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, highlighted the immense potential of AI for Africa. “For us Africans, Artificial Intelligence presents tremendous opportunities. It is a driving force for positive transformational change as well as economic growth and social progress,” she stated.
The Minister of Information, Communications, Science Technology, and Innovation of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Chair of the Bureau of the Technical Committee, H.E. Ms. Nthati Moorsi, emphasized the significant benefits of adopting AI-enabled systems. She noted that these systems could promote homegrown solutions, stimulate economic growth, and drive sustainable development, aligning with the priorities outlined in the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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