Regional Dialogue on AI Governance in Africa | Events | United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Introduction

The Regional Dialogue on AI Governance in Africa was convened as part of the Eighth African Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ARSTIF-2026), bringing together policymakers, international organizations, academia, private sector actors, civil society, and youth representatives to discuss regional priorities for inclusive and responsible AI governance.

Organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the dialogue contributed to shaping Africa’s collective voice in ongoing global discussions on AI governance.

Background and Context

Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance has become a growing global priority, particularly following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the establishment of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/325. These global processes recognize AI as both a driver of sustainable development and a rapidly evolving domain requiring coordinated governance frameworks.

As AI technologies continue to transform economies and societies, concerns related to ethics, transparency, accountability, data governance, digital inclusion, and institutional readiness have become increasingly important. Within this context, multi-stakeholders are advancing regional perspectives to ensure that AI governance frameworks reflect development priorities, human rights principles, and local realities.

Objectives of the Dialogue

The dialogue aimed to:

Foster regional and international collaboration by sharing best practices and lessons learned, and facilitating open, transparent, and inclusive discussions on AI governance that address the common interests of member states
Discuss strategies to ensure that artificial intelligence systems respect, protect, and promote human rights and digital sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and robust human oversight in alignment with international legal standards
Examine the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence, including its social, economic, ethical, cultural diversity, linguistic, and technical dimensions
Address the capacity gaps, with a view to leveraging existing United Nations and multi-stakeholder mechanisms to support AI capacity-building to bridge AI divides in developing countries
Discuss the advancement of open-source software, open data, and open artificial intelligence models, as well as safe, secure, and trustworthy AI through responsible and interoperable strategies.
Promote policy harmonization and interoperability across different regional governance processes to ensure member states' priorities are taken into consideration in the upcoming Global Dialogue in Geneva.
Provide concrete policy messages to inform the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July 2026

Structure of the Consultation

Co-Moderators:

Chief, Frontier and Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Section, ECA, Mr. Mactar Seck
Head of Programme, UN Technology Bank, Ms. Federica Falomi

Opening:

Director of the United Nations Regional Commissions New York Office, Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain
Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the UN and Co-Chair of the Global Dialogue on AI, H.E. Ambassador, Egriselda Lopez (online)
Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN and Co-Chair of the Global Dialogue on AI, H.E. Ambassador Rein Tammsaar (online)
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Sarjoh Aziz Kamara

Consultation Panel:

Chief of ICT Policies, Digital Cooperation and Digital Development, UN - Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), Beirut, Lebanon, Ayman El-Sherbiny (online)
Senior Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, UN, Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), Dr. Mehdi Snene
Data Policy Advisor, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Addis Ababa, Mr. Kuuku Sam Abraham
Founder, Girlhype Coders,South Africa, Ms. Baratang Albertina Miya
Manager, African Multilateral Affairs, International Relations Central Department, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology,Egypt, Amr Farouk Safwat (online)
Country Director, STEM Power Ethiopia, Dr Simenew Keskes
Chief Executive Officer, Betawaves, Tunisia, Ms. Amel Saidane (online)
CEO, Kontemporary Konsulting, Member of the UN Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group 2025, Dr. Jimson Olufuye
Vice-Chancellor (Emeritus), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Nigeria, Prof. Charles O. Esimone,
Vice President of the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNA-U), Ms. Samantha Kkungu
Assistant Research, Fellow at the International Research and Training Centre for Science and Technology Strategy (CISTRAT), Mr. Yan Zhou
Principal Expert ,in charge of Innovation, Sustainable Development Finance Department,West African Development Bank (BOAD), Koffi Fabrice DJOSSOU

Declaration

Director Africa Multilateral Cooperation, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa, Ms Mandry Ntshani,

Closing

Director of department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union Commission, Prof. Saidou Madougou
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Post and Digital Economy, Republic of Central Africa, Mr Adolphe Nicaise SAMAFOU
Chief, Frontier and Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Section, ECA, Mr. Mactar Seck

Outcomes of the Consultation (Attachments)

Initiative Documents (Attachements)