Sierra Leone Telegraph: April 5, 2025:
Speaking at a high-level panel on leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Global AI Summit in Africa, his Mahmoud Ali Yousuhufu, chairman of the African Union Committee, highlighted the AU’s commitment to placing Africa as the leader of the global AI revolution.
He shared the stage with prominent leaders such as: Paul Kagame – President of the Republic of Rwanda. Musalia Mudavadi – Prime Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Kenya. Faure Gnassingbé – Republic of Togo. Masiyiwa’s Efforts – Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group. Doreen Bogdan-Martin – Director of the International Telecommunication Union.
Youssouf highlighted the AU’s leadership in shaping Africa’s AI-led future, ensuring that the continent is not just a participant, but the forefront of AI transformation around the world.
With the adoption of the Continental AI strategy, AU has set clear policy orientations to integrate AI into the African development agenda, leveraging AI as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and comprehensive digital transformation.
Continental AI Strategy: Roadmap for Transformation
The Continental AI Strategy, recently approved by the AU Executive Council, underscores Africa’s commitment to harnessing AI for socioeconomic progress. This strategic framework establishes the foundation for AI governance and innovation at the national, regional and continental levels, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and resilient ecosystems.
Through its five-year implementation plan, the AU supports member countries.
Integrate AI into national development plans and establish a harmonious national AI strategy. Develop policies to maintain and attract AI talent, reduce brain drain and promote local expertise. We promote public-private partnerships to accelerate AI investments and industry-driven solutions. We will prioritize AI adoption in key sectors such as governance, health, agriculture and climate resilience. By supporting AI startups and businesses, we strengthen our ecosystem of AI research and innovation. Implement legal and regulatory frameworks to protect against AI bias and misuse. It promotes international and intra-Africa cooperation for the construction and development of AI capacity.
The role of AU in implementation
Youssouf reiterated that Au, through Auda-Nepad and its specialized agencies, is actively supporting member states in implementing their strategies.
Provides technical assistance for AI policy development and governance frameworks. Organize regional and continental dialogues to strengthen AI regulatory capabilities. Drives the AU’s data policy framework. This allows African countries to manage, manage and utilize data as a key enabler of AI innovation. Currently, 22 out of 35 interested countries benefit from AU-led technical support.
AI and African Continental Free Trade Area: Digital Economy Game Changer
With the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and digital trade protocols, the AI market in Africa is poised for exponential growth. AI is expected to play a pivotal role in digital trade, improving efficiency, promoting innovation and creating new business opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs in Africa.
With the global AI market forecast to reach USD 3.68 trillion by 2034, Africa is as follows:
The development of AI will align with the continent’s economic agenda and digital transformation goals. Invest in AI infrastructure, digital skills and computing power to build a competitive AI industry. Create a harmonious regulatory environment to enable cross-border AI trade and investment. It leverages Africa’s rich and diverse datasets and is fueled by AI innovation and power global AI models.
AI of the African Cultural and Linguistic Renaissance
One of the key priorities of AI in Africa is to develop AI solutions that reflect Africa’s language and cultural diversity. This is important to ensure comprehensive AI adoption and prevent digital elimination. AI-led innovation must serve all Africans and promote equitable participation in the digital economy.
Finally, he reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to promoting Africa-centric AI solutions, ensuring that AI functions as a force for sustainable development, economic inclusion, and technological sovereignty. Through joint leadership, strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future, Africa is poised to thrive in an age of AI.
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