ASHENEWS reports that the executive council of the African Union has approved the Continental AI Strategy for Africa.
The council approved during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana.
“This strategy underscores Africa’s commitment to an Africa-centric, development-focused approach to AI, promoting ethical, responsible, and equitable practices.
“The Continental AI Strategy calls for unified national approaches among AU Member States to navigate the complexities of AI-driven change, aiming to strengthen regional and global cooperation and position Africa as a leader in inclusive and responsible AI development,” the AU said in a blogpost.
According to the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, the union recognises AI as a tool to advance the region’s quest to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
“The advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are profoundly changing our economies and societies, AI is integrating into most aspects of life, producing new efficiencies and enhancing human capacities.
“For Africa, AI has the potential to significantly impact the attainment of Agenda 2063 Aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“It is seen as a driving force for positive change, socio-economic transformation and cultural renaissance.
“AI can stimulate economic growth, create new industries, drive innovation, generate employment opportunities, generate new businesses for women and youth, support the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage and help solve some of Africa’s most complex and urgent challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, public service delivery and so much more.”
The AU Commissioner added that the document puts forward an Africa-centric, development-oriented and inclusive approach around five focus areas notably: harnessing AI’s benefits, building AI capabilities, minimising risks, stimulating investment and fostering cooperation.
“It sets out a common vision for our Continent and identifies key policy interventions to enable the continent to harness the huge potential of AI while addressing the societal, ethical, security and legal challenges associated with AI-driven transformations.
“With the Continental AI Strategy, Africa is laying the necessary foundations to become an integral participant in the AI revolution by optimising the benefits of AI and unlocking its vast potential to empower citizens,” he added.
He therefore urged African countries to accelerate the domestication of the strategy and implement its imperatives for the greater good of the continent.
This online platform reports that the 66-page document by the African Union among other things offers policy recommendations to address risks, promote cooperation among stakeholders and also promote investment.
It equally offers 15 areas of action for member states.
