[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f0zdOV-0Evoi4WOpa9yFqaPhy09q2o_Wykgs4mMSaMs8":3,"_apollo:default":12},{"id":4,"title":5,"featuredImage":6,"date":9,"content":10,"excerpt":11},"cG9zdDoxMzc1","Africa’s AI Agenda: Moving Beyond Dialogue into Action",{"node":7},{"sourceUrl":8},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1594-1024x658.jpg","2025-02-26T17:06:44","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping economies, industries, and societies worldwide. Yet, Africa—a continent rich in talent, data, and unique use cases—remains underrepresented in global AI governance discussions. Without strong governance, regional collaboration, and investment in AI infrastructure, Africa risks being relegated to the lower tiers of the AI value chain, where resources and labour are extracted while the most significant economic gains accumulate elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, a transformative moment has arrived. On February 10-11, 2025, African policymakers, scholars, and AI experts gathered at the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Flive\u002FwipcTsAO5FU?si=dOfV7FBRgzigPCzS\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Africa AI Village in Paris\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a dedicated space within the AI Action Summit. The Village amplified African voices, fostered collaborations, and advanced AI governance discussions tailored to Africa’s realities and aspirations. Organized by \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fqhala.com\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qhala\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with support from \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcarnegieendowment.org\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fc4ir.rw\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsmartafrica.org\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smart Africa\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.  \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>The Africa AI Village: A Hub for African AI Excellence\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Africa AI Village sent a clear message: Africa’s role in AI can no longer be sidelined. As global AI governance frameworks take shape, African leaders, industry experts, and innovators used this platform to engage in high-level discussions, showcase AI-driven solutions, and build strategic partnerships.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key sessions at the Africa AI Village included:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Ministerial Panel Discussions:\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Featuring H.E. Dr. Bosun Tijani (Minister of ICT, Nigeria), H.E. Paula Ingabire (Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda), Hon. Samuel Nartery George (Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana), and H.E. Cina Lawson (Minister of Digital Economy, Togo) who examined the AI policy landscape, AI infrastructure, and the future of AI governance across the continent.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Fireside Chats with AI Thought Leaders:\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Experts explored AI’s potential to address Africa’s most pressing challenges in \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>health, agriculture, and financial services\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Showcasing African AI Innovations:\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Startups, researchers, and policymakers presented AI applications designed to meet Africa’s unique needs.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Africa AI Village was not just another conference; it was a \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>deliberate step toward shaping AI policies that reflect Africa’s needs and priorities\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than simply adopting governance models developed elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>A Unified Vision for Africa’s AI Future\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>most significant outcomes\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the Africa AI Village was the continued momentum towards establishing a \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Pan-African AI Council\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building on recent ministerial conversations in \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Rabat and Kigali\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Africa AI Village provided a platform for \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>African ICT ministers, policymakers, and AI experts to align strategies, harmonize AI governance, and advocate for Africa’s interests on the global stage\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While formal announcements on the AI Council will be made in the future, the Africa AI Village has played a critical role in \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>bringing together key stakeholders to shape Africa’s AI governance agenda\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.  \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1378 size-large\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"africa’s ai agenda: moving beyond dialogue into actio, ai agenda, dr shikoh, qhala\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002FDSC1269-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch2>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Why This Matters: Seizing the AI Moment for Africa\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Africa stands at a \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>critical juncture\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The decisions made today will determine whether the continent becomes a leader in AI innovation or remains a passive participant in the digital economy.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>proactive governance and investment\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, African nations risk:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Over-reliance on foreign AI technologies,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which may not align with local needs.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Loss of control over African data,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as major tech firms continue to extract and monetize African datasets with little benefit to local economies.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Missed opportunities for AI-driven economic growth,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while innovation hubs flourish elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Africa’s engagement in AI governance is \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>no longer optional—it is essential\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>The AI Governance Toolkit for Africa\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the heart of the discussions at the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Africa AI Village\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>forthcoming AI Governance Toolkit for Africa\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developed by \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fqbit.africa\u002F\">\u003Cb>Qubit Hub\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cb>, Smart Africa, and Qhala\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>practical guide\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is designed to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>empower African policymakers\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in crafting AI strategies that align with local priorities while meeting global standards.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Europe has adopted a risk-based regulatory approach\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>U.S. has prioritised AI innovation\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Africa must \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>forge its governance model\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">—one that centres on \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>inclusivity, economic empowerment, and ethical safeguards\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It must recognise the varied conditions for African states and focus on targeted interventions which address our needs.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>What will the AI Governance Toolkit offer?\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Frameworks for national AI strategies\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that drive economic growth, public sector efficiency, and responsible AI deployment.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Guidelines for ethical AI regulation,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensuring \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>transparency, fairness, and data sovereignty\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Insights on AI infrastructure development,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including data centres, computational power, and energy sustainability.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>A roadmap for fostering AI talent and education,\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensuring Africa’s workforce is equipped to lead in AI innovation.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>dynamic toolkit\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will evolve alongside AI technologies, allowing African governments to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>adapt and refine their policies in real time\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By advancing the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>AI Governance Toolkit for Africa\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>laying the groundwork for a Pan-African AI Council\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, African nations are taking \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>concrete steps to assert digital sovereignty, foster homegrown AI solutions, and shape global AI governance\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>How to Get Involved\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaboration is key to achieving these goals. Governments, businesses, academia, and civil society must work together to:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Adopt the AI Governance Toolkit\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a foundation for national AI strategies.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Invest in AI research and infrastructure\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to drive local AI innovation.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Develop AI policies that protect African citizens\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and enable responsible innovation.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u003Cb>Champion Africa’s voice in global AI discussions\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring that the continent is not merely a consumer but a leader in shaping AI’s future.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Africa’s AI Era Begins Now \u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Africa has the \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>talent, data, and ambition\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to lead in AI governance and innovation. The \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Africa AI Village\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was a \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>significant step forward\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but the work is just beginning.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>strategic governance, investment, and collaboration\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, African nations can \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>build a strong, self-sustaining AI ecosystem\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring that AI serves \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>African interests, economies, and people\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The journey starts now. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>Africa’s AI future is in its hands.\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Watch the Africa AI Village Recap Video \u003C\u002Fb>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Flive\u002FwipcTsAO5FU?si=dOfV7FBRgzigPCzS\">\u003Cb>here.\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Authors: Kojo Apeagyei, Rachel Osendo, and Doreen Abiero (Qhala Policy Team)\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n","\u003Cp>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping economies, industries, and societies worldwide. Yet, Africa—a continent rich in talent, data, and unique […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"Bizzbar:cG9zdDoxNDcw":13,"ROOT_QUERY":24},["null","__typename",14,"id",15,"status",16,"bizzbars",17],"Bizzbar","cG9zdDoxNDcw","publish",["null","__typename",18,"ctaButtonText",19,"description",20,"enabled",21,"link",22,"external",23],"Bizzbar_Bizzbars","Get it here","Gates Report: Bridging Africa’s Smartphone Divide Insights from 10 Countries",true,"\u002Freports\u002Fgates-report-bridging-africas-smartphone-divide-insights-from-10-countries",null,["null","__typename",25,"bizzbars({\"where\":{\"status\":\"PUBLISH\"}})",26,"focusAreas",31],"Query",["null","__typename",27,"nodes",28],"RootQueryToBizzbarConnection",[29],{"__ref":30},"Bizzbar:cG9zdDoxNDcw",["null","__typename",32,"nodes",33],"RootQueryToFocusAreaConnection",[34,45,52],["null","__typename",35,"title",36,"slug",37,"focusAreas",38],"FocusArea","Health Care and Life Sciences","health-care-and-life-sciences",["null","__typename",39,"banner",40],"FocusArea_Focusareas",["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",42],"FocusArea_Focusareas_Banner",["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",44],"MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Fhealth-life-sciences-focus-area-center@3x.jpg",["null","__typename",35,"title",46,"slug",47,"focusAreas",48],"Financial Services","financial-services",["null","__typename",39,"banner",49],["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",50],["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",51],"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Ffinancial-services-focus-area-center@3x.jpg",["null","__typename",35,"title",53,"slug",54,"focusAreas",55],"Digital Economy","digital-economy",["null","__typename",39,"banner",56],["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",57],["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",58],"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Fdigital-economy-focus-area-center@3x.jpg"]