The Status of AI-specific Policies and Regulations in Countries across Africa

As of today many African countries still lack AI-specific policies although there is undoubtedly a need for effective AI regulation in Africa.  Some countries have developed AI-specific strategies. Countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, are advancing AI policies and institutions to support their development.

In South Africa, although there are no specific AI laws or regulatory bodies yet, a 2024 discussion document outlines plans for AI-focused regulations with stakeholder engagement.^[1]

On the home front in Nigeria,  The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy has issued the draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This draft strategy outlines a framework for the responsible use of AI, in a bid to address the potential risks and leverage the benefits of AI use. It also articulates Nigeria’s vision of emerging as a global leader in harnessing AI’s transformative potential.^[2]

African countries like Mauritius, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Senegal, and Benin prioritize infrastructure, economic development, and foundational AI regulation in their national AI strategies. In contrast, Nigeria adopts an approach, engaging AI researchers in co-creating the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

While AI adoption in Africa shows promise, there are still concerns about the slow pace of implementation of AI regulation.  Stakeholders also advocate for context-specific regulatory frameworks that prioritize ethical, human rights-respecting, transparent, and inclusive AI governance in Africa and not just implement Western strategies in a copy-and-paste manner.

Additionally, African governments are encouraged to actively participate in global AI discussions, leverage local expertise, and foster greater regional collaboration to develop sustainable AI solutions tailored to the continent’s needs.

^[1]  Shahid Sulaiman, Davin Olën and Monique Bezuidenhout, “AI regulation and policy in Africa”(Dentons)  <https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/june/13/ai-regulation-and-policy-in-africa>

^[2]  Chimee Chukwudelebu,  Emmanuel Agherario and Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya,  “Navigating Innovation, Growth And Transformation In The Tech Industry (January – August 2024)”  Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL),  Mondaq.  <https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/new-technology/1536592/navigating-innovation-growth-and-transformation-in-the-tech-industry-january-august-2024>