Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting
The Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting on Innovative Governance and Capacity Building, held on October 3rd - 4th, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. It was a cross-sectoral meeting that brought together over 100 of the continent's leading lawyers, regulators, industry experts, private sector developers, policymakers, academics, and government officials from across over 15 African countries, the African Union, and five global north countries - Colombia, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and Norway. These stakeholders, with an intimate understanding of the continent's unique context and aspirations, came together to discuss and consolidate ongoing national, regional, and pan-African efforts in AI governance and capacity development.
The event was convened by the Center for Law and Innovation at Certa Foundation and the Global Network of Internet & Society Centers Secretariat, in partnership with Microsoft, Meta, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Smart Africa, International Trade Center, Rwanda ICT Chamber, and the African Leadership University.
The meeting addressed critical aspects of AI development and deployment, focusing on building a governance framework that reflects Africa’s values, priorities, and needs. Speakers and attendees discussed the importance of aligning AI policies with Africa’s socio-economic goals, emphasizing that AI should be a tool for inclusive growth rather than a source of division. Insights from global and regional contexts provided perspectives, with participants agreeing on the need for adaptable policies that support innovation while safeguarding public welfare and trust.
Through workshop sessions, in-depth conversations highlighted Africa's unique position in the AI landscape, strongly focusing on responsible AI use that respects ethical standards and community needs. Experts emphasized the potential of AI to advance development across diverse sectors, from healthcare to agriculture, provided that governance frameworks are designed to ensure equity and transparency. Stakeholders underscored the role of collaboration among governments, private sectors, and civil society in building regulatory models that reflect both local contexts and global standards.
The meeting also explored practical pathways for capacity building and fostering AI literacy. Stakeholders acknowledged that developing technical skills and promoting digital awareness are essential to bridging the digital divide and empowering more Africans to participate meaningfully in the AI economy. By the close of the event, there was a consensus on the importance of robust cross-sectoral partnerships to drive Africa's AI journey forward responsibly, with clear guidelines for collaboration and a shared commitment to making AI an inclusive tool for progress.