This roundtable aims to bring together key stakeholders in AI governance to advance the adoption of truly inclusive AI development and governance practices tailored to the unique needs and challenges of Africa. As the continent rapidly embraces AI technologies, it is crucial that these innovations drive inclusive economic and social development, ensuring that AI ecosystems are responsive to local contexts, priorities, and the diverse needs of African communities.
AI has the potential to address pressing challenges in Africa, but without inclusive policies, growing inequalities and a lack of diversity in AI development risk sidelining the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized groups. African countries, with their rich cultural diversity and unique social, economic, and political landscapes, require AI governance frameworks that are grounded in local expertise and realities. A transformative AI policy approach in Africa seeks to mitigate disparities, ensure AI development is not harmful, and guarantee that AI systems work to benefit everyone, particularly those often excluded from the tech industry.
This discussion will explore concrete strategies for policymakers and AI stakeholders in Africa to address systemic inequalities and ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes around AI development, deployment, and governance. These strategies will be informed by the contributions of over 200 participants from more than 50 countries, including African countries, who contributed to the GPAI Report and Policy Guide Towards Substantive Equality in Artificial Intelligence. This guide focuses on gender equality and diversity, providing a foundation for policies that resonate with the African context.
The session will highlight how multistakeholder collaboration can drive AI governance in Africa that is participatory, just, and globally representative. It will also examine how to ensure that AI policies reflect the continent’s diverse local realities and priorities. By exploring real-world examples, participants will discuss actionable steps for translating inclusive AI governance from principles to practice across Africa. In addition, the conversation will strengthen the capacity for policy impact, empowering African governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions to collaborate effectively.
Transformative AI policy on the continent aligns with key global frameworks such as the OECD AI principles, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Digital Compact. These frameworks call for the alignment of AI systems with human rights and promote gender equality and diversity in AI ecosystems. By leveraging these global principles, Africa can ensure that its AI systems are designed in ways that enhance their quality, usability, and effectiveness, contributing to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all African countries.
