Africa-Focused AI Governance Course Launched

This new course is part of a broader, coordinated effort to implement the African Union's Continental AI Strategy, which was adopted in July 2024. The strategy aims to create a unified approach to AI across the 55 member states, aligning with the AU's long-term Agenda 2063 for socioeconomic transformation. The Continental AI Strategy itself focuses on five key areas: harnessing AI benefits, building capabilities, minimizing risks, stimulating investment, and fostering cooperation. This educational initiative directly addresses the "building capabilities" pillar, aiming to create a pool of local experts who can shape national and regional AI regulations. The strategy is considered the anchor AI document for the continent, providing a singular vision for development. This isn't happening in a vacuum. The AU also has a Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) and an AU Data Policy Framework (2022), which work in concert with the AI strategy. The goal is to create a harmonized digital market, supported by initiatives to improve infrastructure and data sharing across borders. AUDA-NEPAD has been active in laying the groundwork for digital transformation through other programs, such as its EdTech Policy Initiative. That initiative promotes standards-based, vendor-neutral technology to create an interoperable educational ecosystem, a principle that will likely extend to AI governance frameworks. Globally, there's a push for more African inclusion in AI governance discussions, which have historically been dominated by other regions. Organizations like the Council of Europe are actively seeking to engage with the African Union to promote interoperable AI governance approaches and ensure African perspectives are included in the development of global standards. The course is designed for a range of professionals, including government officials, regulators, and those working in policy or AI development. Previous AUDA-NEPAD AI dialogues have brought together policymakers with experts from major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and OpenAI to provide hands-on training and discuss responsible AI adoption in the African context.