Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy
UNESCO takes pride in African Union (AU), for providing the Africa continent with a forward looking, people-centric, development-oriented Continental AI strategy, developed through a multi-stakeholder approach and in record time!
“The early membership of UNESCO to the AU Artificial Intelligence Working Group through the Liaison Office to AU and UNECA, provided the organization an entry point, to commence technical support to the AU in the development of the AI Continental Framework. This Framework was approved by the AU Specialized Technical Committee for Communications and ICT in Nov 2023 and endorsed by the AU Executive Council in February 2024.” Says Lydia Gachungi, the UNESCO focal point to the AU AI Working Group.
The approved AI Framework paved the way for the development of a comprehensive Continental AI Strategy. It was therefore a great honor for UNESCO, through the Director General for the organization to be requested by the African Union Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy in early 2024, to support the AU in the development of the AI Continental strategy
The strategy developed and approved in record time between March -June 2024, was supported technically and financially by UNESCO, through a joint effort with the AU Department of Infrastructure and Energy, Information Society Division, AU Member States, Private sector, CSOs, Academia, RECs and African Institutions.
This AI Strategy responds to Africa’s context, contributes to the attainment of the Agenda 2063 goals and address its needs. It also positions the continent as an active player at global level and presents huge opportunities for inclusive development - creating jobs, improving the delivery of public services, advancing agriculture, education and health, promoting access to information, and protecting the environment and natural resources, among others.
Building on the various continental policies and strategies, such as the Digital Transformation Strategy, the AU Data Policy Framework, and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA) for Africa, the strategy has five focus areas and fifteen policy recommendations
To achieve this, 91鶹Ʒ further supported the African Union to develop an implementation plan. The Plan which proposes a five-year timeframe between 2025 includes several actions to promote the benefits of artificial intelligence for African people, reduce the risks it poses, build capabilities, stimulate investment, and foster intra-regional and international cooperation.
UNESCO appreciates the opportunity to support the AU and is committed to strengthened partnership with AU, in rolling out and implementing the Continental AI Strategy.
