In a historic move, the African Union (AU) has unveiled its groundbreaking Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a visionary framework endorsed in July 2024 to harness AI for Africa’s 1.5 billion people. Approved by African ICT Ministers and the AU Executive Council, this strategy positions Africa to lead in ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development, aiming to add $2.9 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030.
The strategy, a cornerstone of the AU’s Agenda 2063, focuses on five key pillars: ethical AI governance, workforce development, data sovereignty, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration. It seeks to transform sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education while addressing challenges such as digital divides and data privacy. From AI-powered flood prediction apps in South Africa to crop disease detection tools in Tanzania, the policy champions local innovation to tackle African challenges.
“This is Africa’s moment to shape AI on our terms,” said AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid. “We’re building a future where AI empowers our youth, preserves our cultures, and drives inclusive growth.” With only 2.5% of the global AI market, Africa aims to close the gap through national AI policies in countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and Egypt, and a $1.5 trillion GDP boost by 2030.
The strategy also tackles risks, emphasizing robust data protection aligned with the 2023 Malabo Convention and ethical frameworks rooted in African values like Ubuntu. To ensure accountability, the AU has launched an Advisory Group on AI to guide policy implementation and combat issues like surveillance and bias in AI systems.
Despite challenges like limited infrastructure and skills gaps, experts hail the strategy as a game-changer. “Africa is not just catching up; it’s setting a global standard for responsible AI,” said Chinasa T. Okolo, a Brookings AI governance expert. With plans for national AI councils and regulatory sandboxes, the continent is poised to turn its youthful, tech-savvy population into a global AI powerhouse.
