The African Union (AU) has officially endorsed a “Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy” to accelerate AI development and integration across its member countries. This strategy, aimed at both public and private sectors, was revealed in a document published on August 9th on the AU’s website.
The strategy received formal approval during the 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, held in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19. Its main goal is to leverage AI to boost Africa’s development and improve the quality of life for its people.
The strategy puts forward several crucial recommendations, including the creation of a unified hardware and software environment tailored for AI and machine learning, which will streamline data processing and deployment.
It also emphasizes the need to establish governance systems for AI, promote its adoption in the public sector, and integrate AI into key areas highlighted in the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The strategy encourages private sector engagement with AI, aims to nurture AI startups, and ensure the availability of high-quality data sets. It also highlights the importance of developing AI skills, supporting research and innovation, and implementing ethical AI principles that align with African culture and values.
Other significant areas of focus include setting technical standards for AI safety and security, accelerating investment in AI, enhancing regional cooperation, and increasing Africa’s role in global AI governance.
The strategy outlines a five-year implementation plan from 2025 to 2030, which is divided into two phases.
The first phase, from 2025 to 2026, will focus on laying the groundwork by establishing governance frameworks, developing national AI strategies, mobilizing resources, and building capacity within the AU, regional economic communities, specialized agencies, and member states.
The second phase, from 2027 to 2030, will focus on the practical execution of the critical projects and initiatives set out in the strategy.
As of July, only a few African countries—Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal—have developed their own AI strategies. Meanwhile, others like Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda are combining AI with other emerging technologies like blockchain.
Countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda have also made significant strides in defining AI policies and setting up institutions to drive AI development.