Artificial Intelligence, West African experts meet in Ouagadougou...

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Ouagadougou is hosting a regional workshop focused on data governance and the ethical, responsible, and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in West Africa. This 72-hour meeting, organized by the advocacy agency Niyel in partnership with the Burkinabe government, brings together experts from several French-speaking countries in the region to lay the groundwork for responsible AI governance on the African continent.

Under the theme “Data Governance and Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive Use of Artificial Intelligence in West Africa”, this initiative aims to develop guidelines for AI that respects the values and specific contexts of African countries. Niyel’s Executive Director, Valérie Traoré, emphasizes the importance of this workshop for harnessing the potential of AI in a constructive and beneficial manner for African societies.

“Artificial intelligence is an opportunity for our countries not only to develop but also to address numerous challenges”, stated Ms. Traoré, who views AI as a lever for economic growth and innovation in Africa. She noted that while AI is often perceived with fear regarding job displacement, it could actually create more jobs. For her, the key lies in education: “To take advantage of the jobs that will be created through AI, we must invest in education and develop a legal framework that adequately governs its use.”

This workshop represents a crucial step for French-speaking West African countries seeking to develop a common and responsible vision for artificial intelligence. The goal is to establish governance that not only protects citizens but also enables the inclusive use of this technology, integrating ethical principles to guide its deployment.

From October 28 to 30, the participating experts will discuss key issues such as personal data protection, algorithm transparency, and ways to create an appropriate legislative framework. By hosting this meeting, the Burkinabe government demonstrates its commitment to supporting the rise of AI in Africa while ensuring that its use remains an asset for the social and economic development of the countries.