South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has emphasized the AU’s commitment to positioning Africa as a leader in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution.
“With the adoption of the Continental AI Strategy, the AU has set a clear policy direction to integrate AI into Africa’s development agenda, leveraging AI as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and inclusive digital transformation,” said Mohamed.
Ali revealed this plan during the High-Level Panel on Leadership in the Age of AI at the Global AI Summit on Africa held on Thursday in Kigali, Rwanda.
He highlighted the AU’s leadership in shaping Africa’s AI-driven future, ensuring the continent is not just a participant but a frontrunner in the global AI transformation.
“Recently endorsed by the AU Executive Council, the Continental AI Strategy underscores Africa’s commitment to leveraging AI for socioeconomic progress,” said Ali.
“This strategic framework establishes a foundation for AI governance and innovation at national, regional, and continental levels, fostering an ecosystem that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient,” he noted.
Ali pointed out how AI is transforming efforts to combat one of Africa’s greatest challenges, adding that Africa’s AI market is poised for exponential growth with the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Digital Trade Protocols.
Ali disclosed that AI is expected to play a pivotal role in digital trade, enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and generating new business opportunities for Africa’s youth and entrepreneurs.
Through its five-year implementation plan, the AU is supporting member states to integrate AI into national development plans and establish harmonized national AI strategies.
The African Union is also helping countries in Africa to develop policies to retain and attract AI talent, mitigating brain drain and fostering local expertise, as well as fostering public-private partnerships to accelerate AI investments and industry-driven solutions.
