African ICT and Communications Ministers have collectively agreed to adopt the "Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact" in a significant move to accelerate the continent's digital transformation.
This decision was made during a virtual meeting held from June 11 to 13, 2024, with over 130 ministers and experts participating.
The strategy, outlined on the AU's official website, aims to harness AI to drive Africa's development and the well-being of its people.
It emphasizes an African-owned, people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive approach to enhance AI capabilities in infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships, while ensuring adequate safeguards against potential threats.
African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, highlighted the immense opportunities AI offers for positive transformational change and economic growth in Africa.
Similarly, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science Technology, and Innovation of the Kingdom of Lesotho, H.E. Ms.
Nthati Moorsi, stressed the potential of AI-enabled systems in promoting homegrown solutions and stimulating economic growth and sustainable development aligned with the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The adoption of the Continental AI Strategy and African Digital Compact marks a pivotal step in Africa's journey towards digital transformation, leveraging the power of AI to unlock new opportunities and drive progress across the continent.
