Securing Africa's Seat at the Global AI Table: The Need for Unity and Action

Africa is at a pivotal moment with the rapid advancement of technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). The continent has the potential to harness AI as a powerful equaliser—a tool that can level the playing field and enable African nations to leapfrog traditional stages of development. However, this potential will only be realised if African nations act swiftly and decisively to unify their approach to AI governance and development. Without a coordinated and cohesive strategy, the continent risks being left behind in the global AI race, with significant consequences for its economic and social future. The continent’s current position in the global AI landscape is somewhat tentative, marked by a nascent but growing engagement with AI technologies. This stance risks turning African nations into mere recipients of external norms and technologies, rather than active contributors to the global AI narrative. To avoid this, African governments must proactively address the specific challenges AI presents.

African nations require an integrated strategic focus on digital infrastructure investments and capacity building focused on enhancing institutional and human capital capabilities in AI governance Developing local expertise in AI technology and regulatory practices will empower African nations to successfully navigate the AI revolution effectively and on their own, but unified, terms. AI presents unparalleled opportunities for African nations to accelerate growth, improve public services, and address longstanding challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance. With its youthful population, rapidly growing markets, and increasing digital adoption, Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage AI for innovation and economic transformation. The continent’s large, tech-savvy youth population offers fertile ground for AI-driven solutions that can propel Africa onto the global stage as a leader in technological innovation.

However, to fully capitalise on these opportunities, African nations must act quickly and in a unified manner. Fragmented and conflicting approaches, as seen in past regulatory efforts like data protection laws, have demonstrated the dangers of disunity. If African nations develop AI policies in isolation, the continent risks diluting its influence on the global stage and missing the chance to shape international AI norms and standards. A divided stance would weaken Africa’s bargaining power and could result in the African nations adopting laws that do not align with the countries’, and continent’s, unique social and economic landscape, as was seen with the response to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Stringent AI regulation may not be the best approach for African nations at this stage, as more understanding and room for innovation are needed. Instead, ethical AI governance frameworks, leveraging existing data protection enforcement mechanisms, should serve as a stop-gap solution. These frameworks allow innovation to thrive within ethical boundaries, ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability, but must be recognised as temporary, as AI regulation encompasses far more than just data protection. This interim approach provides necessary safeguards while African states develop a deeper understanding of AI's broader regulatory needs. It ensures future regulations are comprehensive, flexible, and aligned with the continent’s specific needs, supporting innovation while safeguarding societal interests.

A unified approach to AI governance is not just about avoiding fragmentation; it’s about seizing the moment to align AI development with Africa’s unique needs and aspirations. By speaking with a singular voice, African nations can ensure that their diverse perspectives and priorities are adequately represented in global AI discussions. This collective approach will enable African nations to pool resources, share knowledge, and develop the infrastructure necessary to support widespread AI adoption across the continent.

The consequences of inaction are stark. If African nations fail to unify their approach and some are left behind in the AI race, the continent could face widening inequalities, increased dependence on external technologies, and a loss of control over their own data and technological future. This would not only hamper African nations’ economic growth but also exacerbate existing social challenges, undermining the continent’s long-term development goals, as espoused in the AU 2063 Agenda and Digital Transformation Strategy. The continent’s journey towards effective AI governance is both complex and urgent, but it must be approached with caution. Rather than rushing to regulate, the focus should be on fostering an environment that encourages innovation, builds understanding, and lays the groundwork for future regulations that are informed and effective.

The African Union’s Continental AI Strategy reflects this approach by advocating for policy frameworks that encourage ethical AI governance while recognising the need for ongoing innovation. It provides a foundation for leveraging AI to support economic growth, healthcare, education, and other key sectors while addressing critical issues such as data privacy and ethical considerations. However, the strategy adopts a phased approach, with Phase I (2025-2026) focused on establishing governance frameworks and building capacities, while Phase II (2028 onwards) aims to implement core AI projects across sectors like agriculture, health, and education. While this structure allows for careful planning, the four-year delay before commencing key projects could prove disadvantageous. Given the rapid global advancements in AI, this extended timeframe may hinder Africa's competitiveness, leaving the continent at risk of falling behind other regions already actively implementing AI solutions and shaping global standards. Accelerating the timeline would ensure Africa remains a significant player in the AI revolution.

It is critical that the adoption of the AI Strategy, or any unified policy approach, does not result in another aspirational document that remains unimplemented. The Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection, as an example, was a timely initiative, yet it struggled with poor adoption across the continent. It is essential to ensure that the AI strategy does not follow the same path. The true measure of success will be how individual African nations translate this strategy into action. It remains to be seen how countries might adopt and implement the recommendations, and whether African nations can unify swiftly to lead in AI adoption on the global stage. The time for action is now, and failure to act decisively may leave the continent behind in the AI era