AU set to Evaluate AI, Digital Transformation In Africa

The African Union (AU) will be evaluating the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and African Digital Compact during the Executive Council Session on July 18–19, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. This evaluation follows the endorsement of the roadmap by the African ICT and Communications Ministers in June.

According to a statement on X on Tuesday, the discussion will focus on the implementation of these initiatives, allowing Nigeria and other African countries to leverage AI for sustainable development.

The AU emphasised that the Continental AI Strategy and the African Digital Compact aim to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation by harnessing the potential of new digital technologies.

The Continental AI Strategy guides African countries on using AI to achieve development goals, improve well-being, promote ethical use, minimize risks, and leverage opportunities.

“Identifying key priorities and actions to ensure that Africa fully benefits from the opportunities AI offers, the strategy calls for an Africa-owned, people-centred, development-oriented, and inclusive approach.

“This approach will accelerate African countries’ AI capabilities in infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships while ensuring adequate safeguards and protection from threats,” the statement highlighted.

According to the AU, the African Digital Compact represents Africa’s common vision for its digital future, aiming to harness the transformative potential of digital technologies to foster sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being.

“The Compact will position Africa at the forefront of the global digital economy, not just as a consumer but also as an innovator and producer. It will create a strong pool of talent and enhance public-private partnerships critical to promoting homegrown digital solutions,” the AU stated.

Last week, a virtual meeting of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT saw over 100 African ministers and experts converge to chart a course for the continent’s digital transformation.

The 2nd Extraordinary Session, held from June 11–13, 2024, culminated in the endorsement of the Continental AI Strategy.

In April, Nigeria developed a comprehensive National AI Strategy through a collaborative process involving over 120 leading Nigerian AI researchers, startups, and other stakeholders.

The strategy development was led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, under the leadership of Minister Bosun Tijani, with support from partners like the United Nations, major tech companies, and local organisations.