Senegal affirms position on AI governance at Global Summit in New Delhi

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Senegal participated in the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, joining delegations from 118 countries at the invitation of the Government of India. The event convened heads of state, ministers, policymakers, and technology leaders to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence and its global governance.

The Senegalese delegation was led by Alioune Sall, Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, who represented the President of the Republic. A key moment of Senegal’s participation came during proceedings of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, where Senegal reiterated its commitment to responsible and inclusive AI development.

Addressing the forum, the Minister underscored Senegal’s intention to play an active role in international AI governance, emphasizing the country’s policy direction toward human-centered and accountable artificial intelligence. He highlighted Senegal’s early adoption of a national AI strategy, positioning the country among the first in Africa to formalize a strategic framework for AI development.

Senegal, which became the first African member of GPAI in 2023, also endorsed the Summit’s final declaration supporting inclusive and accountable AI governance.

On the margins of the Summit, Minister Sall engaged in high-level discussions with international stakeholders, including an audience with the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies. The exchanges focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as capacity building for public sector institutions, AI skills development, and the interoperability of digital infrastructure. The dialogue also addressed the importance of coordinated African approaches to digital transformation initiatives.

The delegation further visited the Africa AI Village, where meetings were held with African and Senegalese innovators developing AI-driven solutions for public systems. The visit was conducted in the presence of Abdoulaye Barro, Ambassador of Senegal to India.

Senegal’s participation at the Summit reflects the country’s broader strategy to engage in global technology policy discussions while advancing national priorities in digital transformation and emerging technologies.