GCG experts engaged in key AI policy processes

Global Centre on AI Governance Experts Engaged in Key AI Policy Processes

The Global Center on AI Governance has been responding to emerging policy windows on the African Continent, which will help shape inclusive policy responses to AI.

Global AI Policy

At an international level, in March 2024, GCG worked directly with the United Nations AI Advisory Body hosting an African Consultative Meeting on the UN AI Body Interim Report: Governing AI for Humanity. The event brought together leading experts on AI from across the African continent to deliberate on the Interim Report and define African priorities for the global governance of AI. See GCG’s submission to the UN AI Body here[1] . In supporting the development of the work of the UN AI Advisory Body, our CEO, Dr Rachel Adams was also appointed to their Network of Experts.

In March 2024, our Executive Director, Dr Fola Adeleke, was invited by the Open Government Partnership to a global peer exchange workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, which brought together government officials and civil society representatives from 12 countries leading digital governance reforms along with international and regional experts. The workshop addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by digital innovations, particularly Generative AI, and their impacts on democracy, human rights, and the economy.

In April 2024, Dr Leah Junck spoke at the regional forum “Driving an Inclusive and Productive Digital Transformation for decent work” organised by the International Labour Organization and the Kenyan Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, representing the organisation and reporting early findings from the Global Index on Responsible AI.

Regional AI Policy

At a continental level, Rachel Adams was appointed as a lead consultant to draft the African Union Continental AI Strategy by the African Union Commission and UNESCO. During April 2024, a series of public consultations were held to discuss different aspects of the draft Strategy. The consultations focused on four key areas:

1. Seizing AI opportunities for Social, Economic and Cultural Development in Africa

2. Addressing and Mitigating AI Risks and Fostering the Ethical Governance of AI in Africa

3. Creating an AI Ecosystem and Capabilities for Harnessing the Potential of AI in Africa

4. Fostering Regional & International Cooperation and Multistakeholder Collaboration to Advance Inclusive and Beneficial AI in Africa

Ayantola Alayande, Researcher in the Office of the CEO at GCG, has been providing research support to this important process. Further details of the consultations and the African Union Continental Strategy on AI are available here.

In April 2024, Rachel Adams and Fola Adeleke participated in the expert validation session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights study on a human rights based approach to AI, Robotics and Emerging Technologies. The meeting was hosted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Hon Commissioner Dersso.

National AI Policy

At a country level, GCG’s Rachel Adams, Fola Adeleke and Mark Gaffley have been appointed by the South African government’s National Advisory Council on Innovation as members of the working group on the development of South Africa’s national AI strategy. The first meeting of the working group was held in April 2024.

Fola Adeleke was further appointed by the Nigerian government to participate in a four-day workshop to draft a national AI strategy defining the strategic imperatives, policies, investments, implementation roadmap, governance structures, and necessary steps to catalyse Nigeria into an AI-driven economy.

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A major part of GCG’s work over the next few years will be in providing rapid responses to emerging policy windows at global, regional and national levels. In addition to direct technical and advisory support on national and regional AI strategies and frameworks, we will continue to establish formal relationships with multilateral institutions, and work with established authorities to ensure that the emergence of policy frameworks and responses to AI which impact Africans are fit for purpose, as we seek to influence the development and review of responsible AI governance in African countries.