Artificial Intelligence

AI in Africa : Framing AI through an African Lens

Development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa has occurred slowly relative to developed countries. A vibrant AI ecosystem is growing on the continent. Due to the unique geographical, cultural and political nature of the continent, the 4th industrial revolution on the continent is evolving differently from its global counterparts. The motivations for development of AI systems, the parties involved, and the impact of the AI ecosystem on the continent are therefore best analyzed and framed through a unique African lens. This paper seeks to begin this process by developing a conceptual framework to characterize the parties involved in the African AI ecosystem. i.e., the African AI stakeholder. Identification of these stakeholders will aid in determining their interests, responsibilities and accountability and will provide a basis for the development and implementation of an equitable AI ecosystem. It is our goal that this framework, ultimately, be used to guide the contributions from the African AI perspective in global dialogues on ethics, bias, inclusion and similar topics in the AI sphere.

State of Artificial Intelligence in Africa 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the African continent is gaining traction and will before long become profoundly significant in Africans’ day to day activities. This report highlights the potential of AI technologies in transforming the business, healthcare, legal and agricultural sectors in Africa. It also identifies significant gaps unique to Africa in realising the full potential of AI. The report focuses on four key thematic areas; AI and Data, AI and Innovation, AI Use in Health, Agriculture, Legal and Creative fields, and lastly Responsible AI. The policy brief highlights the current AI landscape in Africa and charts a path forward for policymakers in creating laws and policies that will facilitate AI innovation while protecting the public.

Conference on the State of Artificial Intelligence in Africa (COSAA) 2023

The Conference on the State of Artificial Intelligence in Africa (COSAA) took place at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya from March 16 to March 17, 2023. Conference activities and sessions were streamed online for a global audience.

Day 1, March 16, 2023

Day 2, March 17, 2023

COSAA 2023 was an interdisciplinary gathering of AI and data stakeholders from the business community, ICT, academia, legal, policy, and regulatory fields, and civil society for a two – day event of inspiring keynote addresses, thought-provoking panels, and limitless high-value networking. The primary goal of COSAA was to broaden research and innovations in AI in Africa by promoting the exchange of ideas among attendees. The conference speakers covered the following topics:

1. Practical AI: AI use and impact in the health, agriculture, legal, and creative fields in Africa

2. AI and Data: Privacy and surveillance concerns and mitigation measures

3. Responsible AI: Policies, laws, and frameworks

4. AI and Innovation: Infrastructure, capacity, and data

COSAA 2023 Highlights

The next Conference on the State of AI in Africa will be held in 2025. More information about this will be announced soon.

Dashboards

AI Stakeholder Framework Dashboard.

Mapping of AI Applications in Africa

The Artificial Intelligence Labour Gender Gap in Africa

WIPO Conversation on Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence

This video is of our submission to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as they sought consultation on issues affecting Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence.

The speaker is Ms. Wanjiru Muchiri, a Research Fellow and IP expert at CIPIT at the time. The full video can be found here.

How Does AI Work?

The IP team took part in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) “How does AI work?” competition in November 2020 where participants were asked to send in short videos explaining AI in a fun, engaging, and easily accessible way. We are pleased to announce that we were selected as one of the winners and our video is displayed on the WIPO AI Exhibition page.

This video is based on the article, “AI in Africa for Africa: Contextualizing the Evolution of the African AI Ecosystem” –AI in Africa for Africa: Contextualizing the Evolution of the African AI Ecosystem

This video is based on the article, “Exploring Responsible Artificial Intelligence through an African Lens” – Exploring Responsible Artificial Intelligence through an African lens

This video is based on the article, “Ethical AI Development in Africa: Integrating Cultural Values and Addressing Global Disparities” – ETHICAL AI DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: INTEGRATING CULTURAL VALUES AND ADDRESSING GLOBAL DISPARITIES

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Fellowship: Foundations and Governance for Policy Makers

The Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) is organizing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Fellowship. The fellowship is designed specifically for policymakers, regulators, and government officials involved in technology governance, public sector AI projects, or data policy frameworks.

Fellowship Objectives:

1. Equip policymakers, regulators, and government officials with a robust understanding of AI fundamentals.  
2. Foster knowledge of AI governance, ethical frameworks, and regulatory best practices.  
3. Build a network of informed leaders capable of shaping effective AI policies.

Target Audience:

• Regulators, policymakers, and government officials with roles in technology, innovation, or policy development.  
• Preference for candidates involved in technology governance, public sector AI projects, or data policy frameworks.

Duration: 4 months from March 2025