ECOWAS Congress has announced plans to adopt artificial intelligence AI as a tool to increase the efficiency of legislative functions.
Congressional chair Memounatou Ibrahima revealed this at the closing ceremony of the 2025 second Congressional Seminar in Port Harcourt, Rivers. “We are leveraging the efficiency of parliamentary legislative ethical governance and artificial intelligence for development in the ECOWAS region.”
Ibrahima, represented by fourth vice-chairman Belay Tunkara, said he pointed out that the AI revolution is already reshaping West Africa’s economy, society and governance.
She said. “In a short time, AI has become a powerful force in the world that moves beyond the realm of science fiction and promotes many changes in all areas. At the same time, it challenges our shared values and fundamental human rights. When properly utilized by Congress, it enables us to promote informed deliberations, optimized laws, and enhanced Congressional oversight. It’s funny to all of us to embrace this tool, train our staff, and adopt rules of regulations and procedures to address this new technology.”
She explained that the seminar marked the beginning of an ECOWAS Congress’s collective and decisive approach to AI, expressing optimism that its recommendations would lead to a concrete and ambitious plan of action.
Lawmakers at the seminar acknowledged the need to adopt AI in line with global trends, but raised concerns about the threat they pose to areas struggling with weak infrastructure.
They called for a careful approach to ensure that the technology undermines local stability and democratic values.
As West Africa adopts AI, the parliament said there must be a balance between exploiting its transformational potential and protecting human-centered governance.
A three-day seminar featuring expert presentations, panel discussions and discussions is followed by the second extraordinary 2025 session of the Sixth Congress in Port Harcourt.
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