Release of the Shaping the Future of AI in Africa: Policy Brief & Key Insights from the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting
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On February 20, 2025, the Center for Law and Innovation at Certa Foundation published a policy brief outlining the outcomes of the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting on Innovative Governance and Capacity Building, held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2024. This document highlights the challenges, opportunities, and policy directions necessary for shaping AI governance and capacity-building efforts across the continent.
The Stakeholder Meeting brought together 80+ experts and policymakers from 20 African countries, including representatives from the African Union Commission, private sector leaders, startups, and civil society organizations. Discussions focused on how Africa can proactively shape its AI future, leveraging AI for economic growth, digital transformation, and social inclusion while addressing critical gaps in infrastructure, skills, and regulatory frameworks.
Key Takeaways from the Policy Brief
The brief recognizes Africa’s progress in AI governance through initiatives such as the Sharm El Sheikh Declaration, the Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence in Africa, and the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy. However, it also underscores the need for a more coordinated and inclusive approach to policymaking, ensuring that AI development aligns with Africa’s socio-economic realities and ethical considerations.
The policy brief outlines priority areas for action, including strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring inclusive AI policymaking, promoting cross-border regulatory harmonization, and building strategic international partnerships to support AI capacity-building efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating African perspectives into global AI governance discussions, ensuring that international AI policies reflect Africa’s needs and priorities.
What’s Next?
The Center for Law and Innovation will continue working with the African Union Commission, policymakers, and ecosystem players to support the implementation of AI governance strategies across the region. Additionally, preparations are underway for the Global AI Summit on Africa where the Center for Law and Innovation will host a side event “Shaping Africa’s AI Governance: A Collaborative Roadmap for Action”, where progress on AI policy and capacity-building efforts will be reviewed.
To read the full policy brief, click here.