Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation calls for ethical AI regulation at Africa AI stakeholder meeting

Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, has reiterated the need for ethical AI regulation and inclusive frameworks that cater to all citizens at the recent Africa AI Stakeholder Meeting.

The two-day conference, themed "Innovative Governance and Capacity Building," brought together policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to address AI deployment challenges and opportunities.

The minister stressed AI frameworks that address all citizens, setting the tone for discussions on inclusive governance, marginalized voices in AI development, and Africa's AI aspirations.

It also explored governance, data management, and collaboration among African nations, with experts outlining the value of "data commercialization" and the need for research centers and capacity-building initiatives to address unique challenges.

Industry leaders present also acknowledged challenges such as infrastructure costs and privacy concerns but stressed prioritizing data quality over algorithms and calling for public-private partnerships and regulatory innovation to drive a unified AI strategy.

The conference also pointed out the need for greater inclusion of women, youth, and rural populations to promote equitable growth which requires digital literacy, infrastructure improvements, and access to technology.

The African Observatory on Responsible AI was spotlighted for amplifying African voices and fostering collaboration. The African Union's initiative to create an AI index was also highlighted as a key driver of progress.

By: Rober Annor