Responsible AI for Africa: From Strategy to Reality

This blog is inspired by the insights I gained from several introductory online Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses, including those offered by the The SME Trade Academy of the International Trade Centre, The German Development Cooperation initiative “F AI R Forward – Artificial Intelligence for All” and ATINGI, and the International Training Centre (International Labour Organization). I am also driven by a growing recognition of the crucial role AI is already playing—and will continue to play—in the lives of people around me.

This post aims to stir public discussion around AI and lived experiences in Africa, as part of a global citizenry striving to stay in sync with technological progress. How are you using AI in your daily work or community? What challenges or hopes do you see? Share your thoughts and help shape the conversation.

AI: A Global Revolution

AI stands at the forefront of a global technological revolution. It is poised to redefine how economies function and to transform industries and societies. As nations worldwide harness their potential, AI is emerging not merely as a tool but as a catalyst for profound socio-economic transformation.

In particular, AI is reshaping the digital economy by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing creativity, and streamlining workflows. For digital freelancers, tools like Large Language Models (LLMs)—such as ChatGPT—have become essential. These models boost productivity through effective prompting and should be treated as assistants, not replacements, for human talent.

But is Africa keeping up? If not, why? And what can be done to reverse this trend?

Africa’s AI Strategy: Regional Responses and Opportunities

Several African nations are actively responding to AI's rapid growth by developing national AI strategies—notably Senegal, Benin, Egypt, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Zambia.

At a continental level, the African Union Executive Council endorsed the Continental AI Strategy during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana (July 2024). This Strategy affirms Africa’s commitment to a development-focused, Africa-centric approach to AI, emphasising ethics, responsibility, and equity.

Aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the strategy focuses on: inclusive growth; innovation and preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage

AI is seen as a tool to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges:

· Improving healthcare

· Enhancing agricultural productivity

· Transforming education

· Creating new industries and job opportunities

· Preserving cultural identity

  (Doreen Abiero et al., 2024)

The Gaps: Inclusion and Governance

Despite these advances, the development of the Continental AI Strategy reportedly lacked adequate stakeholder engagement. Effective AI governance depends on meaningful participation from: developers, civil society, academia and end users—including marginalised groups

True multi-stakeholder engagement also requires clear feedback mechanisms to track implementation, especially regarding people with disabilities, women, and rural communities (Doreen Abiero et al., 2024).

Responsible AI: The Middle Ground

Users across Africa are grappling with key questions: How do we balance AI’s efficiency with ethical practice and legal compliance? How do we protect creativity and originality in AI-assisted work? How do we ensure the real implementation of these AI strategies?

In my view, the middle ground lies in promoting Responsible AI (RAI)—the practice of developing and using AI systems in ways that benefit individuals, communities, and society, while minimising harm.

As defined by the Australian Government (2024), RAI is grounded in four key principles:

· Transparency

· Accountability

· Fairness

· Inclusivity

Africa has a rare opportunity: not just to adopt AI, but to shape it according to its own values, centred on equity, resilience, and community. For that to happen, we must pair strategies with action, and vision with voices from the ground.

Let this be part of the wider conversation—about AI for Africa, by Africa, and ultimately, with Africa.