AI Craze Sweeps Across Africa! African Union Approves Artificial Intelligence Strategy

On August 9th, the African Union (AU) Executive Council approved the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aimed at promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence by public and private entities in member countries. The African Union Artificial Intelligence Strategy was officially adopted at the 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council held in Accra, Ghana on July 18th to 19th. Its goal is to leverage artificial intelligence to advance the development and well-being of the African continent and its people.

To meet AI demands, dedicated hardware devices are developed.

The African continent's artificial intelligence strategy has several key points, including building corresponding hardware and software environments to meet the needs of AI and machine learning workloads to facilitate data processing and deployment. The strategy also emphasizes establishing AI governance systems to promote the adoption of AI in the public sector and integrating AI into key sectors outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The strategy also encourages private companies to use AI to promote an environment for AI startups and ensure data availability. Additionally, it highlights the importance of promoting AI skills development, fostering research and innovation, and implementing AI ethical principles that respect African cultures and values. Other key areas include developing AI security technology standards, accelerating AI investments, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting Africa's participation in global AI governance.

Five-year strategy aims to create a million jobs

The strategy outlines a five-year implementation period from 2025 to 2030, divided into two phases. The first phase from 2025 to 2026 will focus on establishing governance frameworks as key points, formulating national AI strategies, mobilizing resources, and enhancing the capacities of the African Union, regional economic communities, specialized agencies, and member states to lay the foundation. The second phase from 2027 to 2030 will focus on the actual implementation of key projects and measures outlined in the strategy.

Africa's AI development has already begun, with initiatives such as the collaboration between the Nigerian government and local businesses. The country recruited 600 researchers from 3 million tech professionals to serve as data collectors for developing the Large Language Model (LLM). President Bola Tinubu mentioned his goal to create a million tech jobs in the first two years of his administration.

As of July, only six African countries - Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal - have formulated independent AI strategies. Other countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda are integrating AI with emerging technologies such as blockchain.

Countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and others have made significant progress in formulating AI policies and establishing research institutions.