From Tunisia’s Democratic Transition to Global AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence is transforming economies, governance, and global cooperation. But how should governments regulate it responsibly? In this episode of the Regulating AI Podcast, we speak with His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa, former Prime Minister of Tunisia, engineer and global policy leader, about the evolving landscape of AI governance. Drawing on his experience in government, industry, and international policy, Jomaa shares insights on how nations can balance innovation, regulation, and economic development in the age of artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the role of governments in shaping responsible AI frameworks, the importance of international collaboration, and how emerging economies can position themselves in the global AI ecosystem. Key topics discussed:

• The global race to regulate AI
• Why international cooperation is critical for AI governance
• The role of governments in building responsible AI frameworks
• Opportunities for emerging economies in the AI era
• Balancing innovation with ethical and regulatory safeguards
• As AI becomes a defining force of the 21st century, conversations like these help shape the policies and leadership required to govern it responsibly.
• Listen to the full conversation on the Regulating AI Podcast.

In This Episode

• 0:00 AI and leadership awareness
• 1:35 Guest intro and background
• 3:22 Global south and AI governance
• 5:08 Innovation vs regulation balance
• 7:32 Need for global AI governance
• 10:24 Regulating vs innovating debate
• 13:40 Leaders adapting to AI speed
• 16:07 Role of companies vs governments
• 18:08 US-China AI competition
• 20:05 Building trust in global policy
• 23:29 Africa’s AI challenges
• 25:55 Infrastructure and collaboration
• 27:56 Sovereign vs shared AI approach
• 29:49 Governance models for Africa
• 32:02 Data control and dependency risks
• 35:06 Tunisia AI ecosystem

His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa, former Prime Minister of Tunisia, engineer and global policy leader, about the evolving landscape of AI governance. Drawing on his experience in government, industry, and international policy, Jomaa shares insights on how nations can balance innovation, regulation, and economic development in the age of artificial intelligence.