By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Union Commission
has called for a coordinated African approach to global artificial intelligence
governance as it participates in the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance
in Geneva, Switzerland.
Representing the African
Union Commission, Lerato D. Mataboge is leading the Commission's engagement at
the dialogue, which is being held alongside the AI for Good Global Summit 2026
and the WSIS Forum 2026.
The Commission said Africa's
participation is guided by a common vision that promotes an Africa-centred,
inclusive and development-focused approach to artificial intelligence, aligned
with the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063. The approach is supported by
continental frameworks including the Digital Transformation Strategy for
Africa, the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the AU Data Policy
Framework and the Malabo Convention, while remaining consistent with
international commitments such as the Global Digital Compact.
During the opening session,
the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial
Intelligence presented its Preliminary Report, which is intended to provide an
evidence-based foundation for international discussions on AI governance.
Following the presentation,
Commissioner Mataboge held discussions with African experts serving on the
scientific panel, including Vukosi Marivate, Girmaw Abebe Tadesse, Rita Oluchi
Orji and Mennatallah El-Assady.
The scientists briefed the
Commissioner on the report's findings and discussed their technical, economic,
social and security implications for Africa.
According to the African
Union Commission, the discussions focused on strengthening coordination between
the Commission and African scientists to ensure the continent's scientific
expertise and political leadership are aligned in advancing Africa's priorities
and perspectives in international AI governance discussions.
The engagement forms part of
broader efforts by the African Union to strengthen Africa's influence in the
development of global AI governance frameworks and ensure the continent plays
an active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
