Artificial intelligence, long depicted in science fiction literature and films, is no longer seen as a futuristic concept. It has now become an omnipresent reality in digital ecosystems and in the education, health, finance and justice sectors. It symbolises an unprecedented revolution in the search for and production of knowledge.
Although Africa has made significant progress in terms of connectivity, disparities remain. According to International Telecommunication Union estimates for 2024, only 38% of Africa’s population uses the Internet, compared with a global average of 69%; women are less connected than men (31% compared with 43%), and 25% of people living in rural areas are unable to access the Internet because of a lack of broadband coverage. Disparities also exist between urban and rural areas. The issue of Africa’s digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of many strategic, political and technological debates.
‘The African Union adopted a number of policy frameworks in 2020, there was a strategy for the development of artificial intelligence and the commission was mandated to establish a 5 year plan which includes two phases, one between 2025 and 2026 to establish structural governance of artificial intelligence on the continent and the mobilisation of resources.’
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairman of the AU Commission – Djibouti
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly expanding field that presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa. For AI to make a positive contribution to digital sovereignty, it is essential to develop appropriate ethical frameworks and policy strategies.
« I am delighted to join you for the Global AI Summit on Africa and welcome our special guests to Kigali. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Artificial intelligence is driving some of the most revolutionary innovations of our time and accelerating the pace of digital transformation. Across all sectors, the benefits of artificial intelligence are clear. »
Paul Kagame, President of the Republic – Rwanda
A study carried out by Oxford University researchers in 2015 revealed that almost 45% of the content published on the encyclopaedia is produced by contributors who live mainly in Europe or North America. Africa no longer wants to be a spectator of the great technological revolutions: it now intends to be an actor, leader or beneficiary.
« In a short space of time, artificial intelligence has progressed at lightning speed. Artificial intelligence is not only reshaping our world, it is revolutionising it. But the risks are just as enormous. This rapid growth is outstripping our ability to govern it. It raises fundamental questions about responsibility, equality, security and safety. AI-based cyber-attacks could cripple a country’s critical infrastructure and cripple essential services. »
Antonio Guterres , Secretary-General of the United Nations – Portugal
At a time when Africa is positioning itself in the face of global technological upheaval, digital sovereignty should not be a luxury, but a strategic priority. It is crucial to develop local infrastructures, build human capacity and put in place clear public policies on data protection. Africa must move from being an operating ground to a central player, by investing in Afro-centric AI. To ensure its digital sovereignty, the continent must invest more in data protection, digital infrastructures and master the related technological processes by reducing its dependence on foreign technologies.
