The United States Department of State and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy are set to host the “Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa” conference in Lagos from September 10-11, 2024
The event will convene over 200 stakeholders, including U.S. and African officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and academics, to discuss the governance and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) on the African continent.
In a statement released by the U.S. Department of State on Monday, the conference will focus on “identifying and harmonizing AI governance strategies” between the U.S. and African nations.
The goal is to ensure that AI systems implemented across Africa are “safe, secure, transparent, and trustworthy,” especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This initiative aims to create frameworks that protect data, promote inclusivity, and enhance the capabilities of Artificial intelligence ways that benefit African communities.
“The conference builds on the positive momentum of the U.S. Secretary of State’s trip to Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola in January 2024, and the landmark adoption and co-sponsorship of 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa of the ‘Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development’ resolution by the United Nations in March,” the statement added.
The initiative is seen as a significant step forward in strengthening U.S.-Africa cooperation on emerging technologies and addressing the digital divide.
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This event will also build upon the outcomes of Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s visit to Abuja for the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) meeting, where he engaged with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
Discussions from that engagement further reinforced the importance of digital transformation in Africa, a priority for both nations.
The upcoming conference will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, which seeks to invest in expanding digital access and literacy across the continent while enhancing the digital business-enabling environment.
The U.S. delegation at the conference will be led by Dr. Seth Center, Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, alongside Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joy Basu.
According to the U.S. Department of State, recorded remarks from Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will also be featured at the event, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to deepening its partnership with Africa in the digital sector.
By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the conference aims to foster collaborative efforts between the U.S. and African countries, ensuring that AI development aligns with global standards and benefits the socio-economic growth of Africa.
The discussions are expected to shape future policies on AI governance, which will ensure that technological advancements contribute to sustainable development on the continent while prioritising security and transparency.
