Shaping the Future of AI in Africa: Policy Brief and Recommendations from the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting on Innovative Governance and Capacity Building

This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the key challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for AI governance and capacity building in Africa. It is a product of the Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting convened in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2024, which brought together leading experts and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the critical issues surrounding AI in Africa.

The brief highlights the significant strides made by African countries in advancing AI at both continental and national levels, demonstrating a growing commitment to harnessing AI for socio-economic development. However, it also identifies key challenges that need to be addressed to ensure responsible and inclusive AI development, such as limited infrastructure, skills gaps, outdated legal frameworks, and the need for greater stakeholder engagement.

To overcome these challenges, the brief offers actionable recommendations for various stakeholders, including policymakers, governments, the private sector, civil society, regulators, industry leaders, and researchers. These recommendations focus on strengthening AI governance, fostering innovation, and ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically and for the benefit of all Africans.

This brief serves as a call to action for collaborative efforts to unlock AI's transformative power for Africa's sustainable and inclusive development.

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