The African Union (AU) is taking a significant leap towards a digitally empowered continent by approving its Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact. Announced by AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization Amani Abou-Zeid during the 45th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Accra, Ghana, these initiatives aim to accelerate Africa's digital development.
\"Our council yesterday approved the AU strategy for artificial intelligence and the strategy for using digital technologies, which will set the path for Africa's use of digital technologies for development,\" Abou-Zeid stated. The strategies are designed to harness technology to address Africa's unique challenges, streamline project implementations, and ensure the ethical use of digital tools.
Abou-Zeid emphasized the importance of technology in preserving Africa's rich identity, languages, and cultures. \"The technology must help us preserve our identity, preserve our languages and cultures, and be helpful rather than harm us,\" she explained.
These strategies aim to create an enabling environment for the growth and utilization of digital technologies across the continent. By providing a policy framework, the AU intends to guide member governments in developing regulations that foster innovation while maintaining ethical standards.
\"The strategies will help us create a single digital market and guide all sovereign countries on how to use digital technology to boost their development processes,\" Abou-Zeid added. She also highlighted the need for robust regulations to prevent the misuse of AI and digital technologies. Currently, seven African countries have established AI policies, and the AU aspires for all members to follow suit.
With the Continental AI Strategy and African Digital Compact, the African Union is setting the stage for a technologically advanced and ethically grounded future, positioning Africa as a key player in the global digital landscape.
Reference(s):
African Union approves AI strategy, digital pact to propel continent
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