African Leaders Urge Continent's Active Role in Global AI Governance Discussions

Sunil Geness, SAP's director of global government affairs and corporate social responsibility for Africa, emphasizes that the continent must actively shape the future of global AI governance, rather than merely being a recipient of policies. His call to action coincides with the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new international body designed to expand AI access, build trust, and maximize its socio-economic benefits, which will hold its inaugural meeting during the ITU's AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.

Geness advocates for Africa to approach these global discussions with a clear, proactive agenda focused on economic growth and inclusion. He outlines key priorities, including equitable access to computing resources, significant investment in AI skills, robust and trusted data systems, the adoption of open standards, fostering local-language innovation, ensuring accountable public procurement, and implementing regulations that safeguard citizens without stifling entrepreneurial spirit.

A critical step, according to Geness, is transforming the African Union's Continental AI Strategy from a conceptual document into concrete national roadmaps, viable investment pipelines, and robust regional collaborations. He stresses the power of "technology diplomacy," where Africa's 54 nations can align their positions to present a unified front in international negotiations, thereby amplifying their influence and ensuring their unique perspectives are heard.

Africa's representation on the newly formed AI for Good Global Commission is notably strengthened by the appointment of Rwandan President Paul Kagame as a co-chair, alongside Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. This high-level involvement underscores the continent's commitment to ensuring AI serves as a tool for positive change, reducing inequalities, and bridging the global digital divide, rather than exacerbating existing disparities.

The commission's overarching goal is to promote equitable AI access and address the digital divide, recognizing that billions remain offline and excluded from AI-driven opportunities. President Kagame reiterated the importance of technology as a force for good, urging collaborative efforts to ensure AI's benefits are widely shared across all communities, aligning perfectly with Africa's vision for inclusive AI development.