The African Union (AU) has endorsed a new “Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy” aimed at accelerating the integration of AI in the member countries. The strategy, which was laid down on the 9th of August, outlines specific measures that are to be taken in order to integrate AI into the public and  private sectors.

The AU’s AI strategy was endorsed during the 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council that was held in Accra, Ghana. It seeks to use AI for the development of the continent and for the welfare of its populace.

AU aligns AI with Agenda 2063 and UN SDGs

The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy captures several key recommendations as follows. It proposes the establishment of a new hardware-software infrastructure to support the execution of AI and machine learning processes. This enables proper management and data sharing in Africa.

The strategy also takes into consideration the enhancement of appropriate AI governance frameworks. This makes it imperative to ensure that AI is integrated into the priority areas of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs. Another area is the further development of AI applications in the public sector and the conditions for the emergence of startups linked to AI. 

Focus areas and action areas for the AI Strategy

The AI strategy presents the roadmap for the following five years of action for the years 2025-2030 with two phases described. The first phase, which will span from 2025 to 2026, will focus on building the governance structures and developing the national AI plans. It will also include the identification of the needs of the AU and the member states and the building of their capacity. 

The second phase, from 2027 to 2030, will focus on the execution of the strategic priorities and initiatives identified in the strategy. This phase will involve the implementation of AI technologies in real life and the realization of the strategies goals. 

Six African nations lead with existing AI strategies

To date, six African countries have had independent AI strategies, namely Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal. On the other hand, nations like Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda are piloting the use of AI together with other innovations like blockchain.

Several countries, namely Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda are in the process of developing their AI policies and creating institutions that will foster the development of AI. This progress underscores the increasing role of AI in the region as well as the AU’s resolve to deploy this technology for other development objectives.