As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms economies and societies, African nations are taking bold steps to regulate this powerful technology. From national strategies in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to a landmark continental framework by the African Union, the regulatory landscape is becoming both more sophisticated and more tailored to Africa’s unique needs.
Kenya: National AI Strategy 2025–2030
Kenya has emerged as a continental leader with its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030), a comprehensive vision for ethical, inclusive, and innovation-driven AI adoption. The strategy is a foundational pillar of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and signals the country’s intent to localize global AI governance norms for its own context.
Key pillars of Kenya’s approach include:
- Data Governance and Sovereignty: Kenya is prioritizing the development of local data ecosystems, emphasizing data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical standards. This could impact global companies operating in Kenya, especially those relying on cross-border data flows or cloud-based AI models, by introducing localization requirements and evolving consent standards1.
- Sector-Specific Regulation: The strategy highlights healthcare, agriculture, financial services, and public administration as priority sectors. Regulatory authorities are expected to develop ethical and risk-based guidelines, particularly for high-stakes applications like clinical decision-making and diagnostics.
- Infrastructure and Research: Kenya plans to expand digital infrastructure, including national research hubs and data centers, and invest in broadband and 5G networks. These investments aim to create commercial opportunities while also potentially introducing procurement restrictions or localization mandates for tech providers.
- Governance and Legal Frameworks: While the current strategy is not legally binding, it lays the groundwork for future legislation on AI governance, oversight, and risk classification. A dedicated task force will be established to address emerging opportunities and threats, and to safeguard sensitive data while ensuring accessibility.
Nigeria: Toward a National AI Regulatory Framework
Nigeria’s AI regulatory environment is still developing, with governance currently spread across data protection, cybersecurity, and competition laws. This fragmentation creates enforcement challenges and leaves gaps in areas such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and institutional oversight.
Key findings and recommendations include:
- Regulatory Gaps: Nigeria lacks a dedicated AI legal framework, resulting in fragmented oversight and weak protections against algorithmic bias and data misuse.
- International Benchmarks: Experts recommend a hybrid regulatory model, drawing on best practices from the EU, US, and China, to ensure Nigeria’s approach is transparent, accountable, and inclusive.
- Urgent Actions: The study calls for a National AI Regulatory Framework with mandatory bias audits, explainability standards, and stronger institutional oversight. Capacity-building for regulators and investment in AI R&D are also seen as critical for aligning with global trends and ensuring responsible innovation.
South Africa: Human-Centered, Risk-Based Regulation
South Africa’s 2025 National AI Policy Framework aims to harness AI for public value and development while managing risks. The framework rests on nine strategic pillars, including talent development, digital infrastructure, research and innovation, and fairness in mitigating bias4.
- Vision: South Africa seeks to position itself at the global forefront of responsible AI, focusing on risk management for human-centered AI that complements rather than replaces human decision-making.
- Next Steps: The current framework is a precursor to a comprehensive National AI Policy or AI Act, with implementation and integration plans still in development.
African Union: Continental AI Strategy
In a historic move, the African Union (AU) has approved a Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy to accelerate AI adoption and innovation across all member states5. The strategy, confirmed at the AU Executive Council’s 45th Ordinary Session, outlines a unified approach to AI for Africa’s development.
Key recommendations include:
- AI Infrastructure: Building a unified hardware and software environment for efficient AI deployment.
- Governance Systems: Creating frameworks to ensure ethical AI use aligned with African cultural values.
- Sectoral Integration: Promoting AI in key sectors, in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Private Sector Engagement: Supporting AI startups and ensuring access to high-quality datasets.
- Skills and Research: Focusing on AI skills development, research, and ethical standards.
- Technical Standards and Investment: Establishing safety and security standards, boosting investment, and enhancing regional cooperation and Africa’s voice in global AI governance5.
Conclusion: A Distinctly African Approach to AI Regulation
Across the continent, African governments are moving beyond simply importing global frameworks. They are crafting regulatory strategies that reflect local priorities—balancing innovation, inclusion, and responsible use. The coming years will be crucial as these frameworks move from policy to practice, shaping how AI transforms Africa’s economies and societies.
For media, policymakers, and technology leaders, the message is clear: Africa’s AI regulatory landscape is dynamic, ambitious, and increasingly influential—both within the continent and on the global stage.
