Evolution of Influence: Africa's Contribution to Molding the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Agreement
The world is witnessing a surge in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) policies, and Africa is not being left behind. While many African countries still lack comprehensive AI regulation, nations like Nigeria and Kenya are actively working on their own AI policies.
The European Union (EU) has taken the lead in this regard, drafting a treaty aimed at ensuring AI is ethical and trustworthy. Known as the EU AI Treaty, it outlines global standards for responsible AI development and deployment. The treaty, set to be ratified on September 5, 2024, has attracted contributions from countries outside the EU, such as the US, Argentina, Israel, Japan, and Uruguay. Non-EU members are invited to sign the legally binding treaty.
However, the role of Africa in the development of the EU AI Treaty remains uncertain. The exclusion of Africa in the treaty development could lead to data dependency and perpetuation of racial biases in AI algorithms. To avoid this, African nations have the potential to collaborate and establish a regional framework, drawing lessons from the EU AI Treaty.
The African Institute for Data Science (AIDS), a pan-African organization, is promoting responsible data practices and has programs designed to help African states build capacity for AI. The institute includes countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, which are part of a pan-African network working on advancing data science and AI. Rwanda notably hosted the Global AI Summit on Africa 2025 focusing on AI governance and sovereignty, indicating regional collaboration on AI regulation.
Regional economic blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) or the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) could consider developing regional frameworks. It would be more sensible for Kenya, for instance, to develop AI regulations within the context of the EAC, which is advocating for further regional integrations, including a monetary union.
Progress in enacting AI regulations in Africa has been minimal. Only Mauritius and Egypt have formulated AI laws, while South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya have initiated plans to create regulatory frameworks. Mauritius, in particular, has developed a national AI policy that places human beings at its core, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability to ensure the technology benefits everyone.
The Malabo Convention, ratified by the African Union (AU) in 2023, guides AI policy on the continent, but it is not sufficient. Regulators worldwide are racing to establish rules for the artificial intelligence sector, and Africa must not be left behind. The treaty includes contributions from countries outside the EU, offering an opportunity for Africa to engage and influence the global conversation on AI regulation.
However, the risk of the AI regulatory gap in Africa widening if the continent does not engage equally with other countries is real. The exclusion from the development of the EU AI Treaty could potentially lead to data dependency and perpetuation of racial biases in AI algorithms. Therefore, it is crucial for African nations to collaborate and establish a regional framework that aligns with global standards for responsible AI development and deployment.
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