Advancing responsible artificial intelligence policies in Africa

 

Leveraging the rapid spread of communications infrastructure, gains in computational power and the emergence of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting opportunities for promoting economic growth and addressing key development problems in Africa. However, if AI is applied without appropriate policies and safeguards, it can threaten human rights and exacerbate existing inequalities. These risks are increased in contexts where there is limited institutional capacity to effectively govern and regulate AI. As demand for and use of AI technologies increase, policymakers in governments, research organizations and society must contend with the intended and unintended consequences of AI technologies.

Recently, there has been an influx of national, regional and global policy initiatives intended to set the terms on which AI will function in social and economic life. At the same time, there is an awareness of the need to build frameworks more attuned to African realities. With a focus on countries in Southern Africa, this project will promote responsible AI by: producing high quality knowledge to inform policymaking; strengthening technical and governance capacities of policymakers to shape national and regional AI policymaking discussions; and building alliances with other AI policy stakeholders.

This project is a part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, a five-year partnership between IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support policy, innovations and expanded leadership to spur safe and responsible AI development and use in Africa. The vision of the new partnership is to support an inclusive, responsible AI ecosystem that improves quality of life for all in Africa and beyond.