Africa’s push to regulate AI starts now

1. In Africa, AI is being used for various applications such as detecting cassava disease, analyzing racial segregation, and classifying surveillance images.
2. The potential economic benefits of AI adoption in Africa are estimated to be up to $136 billion by 2030.
3. The African Union is developing a comprehensive AI policy for the continent to regulate and govern the use of AI.
4. Some African countries have already started formulating their own AI policies and strategies.
5. The AU’s policy draft includes recommendations for industry-specific codes, standards, regulatory sandboxes, and national AI councils.
6. African governments are expected to endorse the continental AI strategy in February 2025.
7. Failure to develop regulatory frameworks for AI could lead to social harms and economic disadvantages in Africa.
8. Some researchers believe it is premature to focus on AI regulation and argue for prioritizing the development of the AI industry first.
9. Others advocate for proactive regulation to address issues like data privacy and digital governance in the AI context.
10. Concerns exist about labor exploitation by AI companies in Africa, emphasizing the need for regulations to protect workers.
11. Instances of autonomous lethal weapons and controversial facial recognition schemes highlight potential risks of AI use by African governments.
12. The AU’s draft policy recommends investing in digital infrastructure, collaborating with the private sector, and supporting AI startups and innovation hubs.
13. Unlike the EU, the AU lacks enforcement power over member states, requiring individual countries to implement the continental AI strategy.
14. The development and adoption of AI in Africa face challenges such as data infrastructure limitations, funding constraints, and access to training data.
15. The debate continues on the timing and approach to regulating AI in Africa, balancing innovation with safeguards against potential misuse.