"For Africa, AI has the potential to significantly impact the attainment of Agenda 2063 Aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is seen as a driving force for positive change, socio-economic transformation and cultural renaissance. AI can stimulate economic growth, create new industries, drive innovation, generate employment opportunities, generate new businesses for women and youth, support the preservation of Africa's cultural heritage and help solve some of Africa's most complex and urgent challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, public service delivery and so much more. The African Union (AU) Continental AI Strategy aligns with AU’s inclusive development aspirations as well as its core values. Guided by the principles of ethics, inclusion and diversity, human rights and human dignity, people's well-being, peace and prosperity, it prioritises the development and adaptation of AI systems to Africa's context.
This strategy puts forward an Africa-centric, development-oriented and inclusive approach around five focus areas notably: harnessing AI's benefits, building AI capabilities, minimising risks, stimulating investment and fostering cooperation. It sets out a common vision for our Continent and identifies key policy interventions to enable the continent to harness the huge potential of AI while addressing the societal, ethical, security and legal challenges associated with AI-driven transformations. With the Continental AI Strategy, Africa is laying the necessary foundations to become an integral participant in the AI revolution by optimising the benefits of AI and unlocking its vast potential to empower citizens. Africa’s young and tech-savvy population is well-positioned to embrace innovative technologies and leverage them for economic and social transformation." (Foreword)