The African Union’s executive session will take place in Ghana on July 18 and 19, 2024 for deliberation of the “African Digital Compact” and “Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy.”
This disclosure was made by the AU via its X handle on Tuesday, July 17, 2024, ahead of the final adoption of the strategy.
The African Union’s Ministers of Communications and ICT unanimously approved the plan last month. The policy seeks to accelerate “Africa’s digital transformation” by enabling Nigeria and other African nations to fully utilize the promise of emerging digital technologies.
It was earlier reported that the AU’s 2nd Extraordinary session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT brought together more than 130 ministers and experts across Africa virtually from June 11 to June 13, 2024.
The purpose of the meeting was to spark digital transformation on the continent in the midst of the industry’s rapid expansion driven by artificial intelligence applications and technology.
Ultimately, they approved a Continental AI Strategy that will direct African nations in using AI to accomplish the continent’s development goals and improve the lives of its citizens.
To develop Africa-owned AI infrastructure: An AI infrastructure is an integrated environment of hardware and software designed specifically for AI and machine learning workloads, paving the way for data processing and deployment.
AI regulation: The plan suggests policies that will control the extent to which AI is used across the continent.
Finance for AI-based research: The plan asks for financial assistance to increase Africans’ understanding of AI’s functionalities and potential.
The AU said on Tuesday that these new developments will be discussed in its executive session before being officially adopted.
It said the action is intended to determine important goals and courses of action to guarantee Africa makes the most of the enormous potential that artificial intelligence presents.
It further stated that in order to advance African countries’ AI capabilities in terms of talent, infrastructure, datasets, innovation, and partnerships—while simultaneously guaranteeing appropriate safeguards and protection against threats—the strategy asks for an Africa-owned, people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive approach.
“At the conclusion of each Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, a Declaration will be adopted, ” AU noted.
