African Observatory on Responsible Artificial Intelligence

The next three years will be critical for Africa’s response to artificial intelligence (AI). The African Observatory on Responsible AI (AORAI) seeks to position the African continent as a leading voice in global debates and policy-making in responsible AI. AORAI will accomplish this by collaborating with local and global thematic partners across sub-Saharan Africa to deepen the understanding of AI and its effects in Africa; promoting the development and implementation of locally appropriate evidence-led AI policies and enabling legislation; and strengthening the capacity of researchers across the continent in understanding the effects of AI and influencing responsible AI policy-making.

AORAI will publish thematic research reports on the state of AI in Africa, which will offer insights into the immediate concerns, risks, and benefits as well as the longer-term implications of AI in diverse African societies. The thematic research priorities of the AORAI are: the impact of AI on race, gender, and ethnicity; the impact of AI on democracy, particularly elections; and enabling legislation for public integrity and corporate accountability in relation to AI on a national and regional level.

This project is part of the four-year Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) Africa partnership between the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and IDRC to support policy, innovations, and expanded leadership that will spur responsible AI development in Africa. The aim is to improve the quality of life for all, in Africa and beyond, by partnering with Africa’s science and policy communities to leverage AI through high-quality research, responsible innovation, and the strengthening of talent.