AU approves continental AI strategy and African digital compact

The African Union (AU) Executive Council has given the green light to the Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the African Digital Compact, aiming to accelerate Africa’s digital development. This milestone was announced by AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitization, Amani Abou-Zeid, during an interview at the 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Accra, Ghana.

“Our council yesterday approved the AU strategy for artificial intelligence and the strategy for using digital technologies, which will set the path for Africa’s use of digital technologies for development,” Abou-Zeid stated.

The newly approved strategies are designed to harness technology to address Africa’s challenges, expedite numerous projects and programs, and ensure the ethical use of digital innovations. “The technology must help us preserve our identity, preserve our languages and cultures, and be helpful rather than harm us,” the commissioner emphasized.

The strategies aim to create an enabling environment for the development and use of digital technology across the continent. They will guide member governments in developing the necessary policy and regulatory frameworks to support the digital sector.

“These strategies will help us create a single digital market and guide all sovereign countries on how to use digital technology to boost their development processes,” Abou-Zeid explained. She also stressed the importance of establishing rules and regulations to prevent the misuse of AI and digital technologies.

Abou-Zeid highlighted that while seven African countries currently have AI policies, the AU is committed to encouraging all member states to develop comprehensive digital and AI strategies.

The 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting serve as significant platforms for advancing Africa’s digital agenda, with the approval of these strategies marking a crucial step towards a more digitally integrated and technologically advanced continent.