The African Union (AU) Executive Council has approved a new strategy “Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy” to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa.
This approval was made during a meeting in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19, 2024, but was officially announced on August 9, 2024.
The strategy is designed to help African countries use AI technology to drive economic growth and improve the lives of people across the continent. The strategy was first endorsed by African ICT and Communications Ministers in June 2024, following discussions with over 130 ministers and experts in a virtual meeting.
The Continental AI Strategy outlines several important steps to integrate AI into various sectors in member states. It calls for the development of the necessary hardware and software to support AI and machine learning, the creation of governance frameworks to manage AI, and the promotion of AI use in government services.
It also emphasizes the need to align AI efforts with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Further, the strategy encourages private sector participation, supports the growth of AI startups, and stresses the importance of having high-quality data sets. It also highlights the need for developing AI skills, promoting research, and ensuring that AI is used in a way that respects African cultural values.
The strategy will be implemented over five years, from 2025 to 2030, in two phases. The first phase, from 2025 to 2026, will focus on setting up governance frameworks, developing national AI strategies, and mobilizing resources. The second phase, from 2027 to 2030, will involve carrying out key AI projects and initiatives.
While a few countries, such as Algeria, Egypt, and Rwanda, already have AI strategies, others are already working to integrate AI with other emerging technologies.
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