The adoption of AI will have a significant impact on the continent. To foster sustainable adoption of AI in Africa, creating positive ecosystems among stakeholders is essential. This includes policymakers, research institutions, businesses, startups, and government agencies, working together to ensure the technology's long-term viability.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology announced, on June 30, it is finalizing a draft national AI policy. The policy aims to harness the potential of AI technology and promote its responsible and sustainable implementation nationwide.
Over the past five years, Ethiopia has witnessed significant growth in its AI sector, prompting the need for a well-defined policy framework. The draft AI policy document addresses crucial policy issues, focusing on both the existing realities and future directions for AI development and growth in the country.
The policy encompasses various key areas, including data management, human resource development, research and development, assistance and encouragement, infrastructure, law and ethics, and cooperation and coordination. By addressing these critical aspects, the Ethiopian government aims to create an enabling environment for AI innovation and adoption while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.
Huria Ali, Minister of State for Innovation and Technology, emphasized the importance of the draft policy, highlighting its incorporation of national guidelines for data sharing, research quality and ethics, regulatory frameworks, and guidelines for the utilization of human resources. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the policy, calling for the active involvement of regional states, municipal administrations, international institutions, partners, and stakeholders in its implementation.
Taye Girma, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, expressed the institute's commitment to transforming Ethiopia into a center of excellence in AI. He emphasized the significance of developing and utilizing AI technology to propel Ethiopia's growth and development.
The development of the draft national policy on AI involved extensive collaboration. The Ethiopian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Addis Ababa University's Policy Research Institute, representatives from the private sector, and other stakeholders actively participated in its formulation. This inclusive approach ensures that the policy reflects a wide range of perspectives and is aligned with Ethiopia's unique needs and aspirations.
As Ethiopia nears the finalization of its national AI policy, the country is poised to position itself as a hub for AI innovation and advancement. With a comprehensive framework in place, Ethiopia aims to leverage AI's transformative power to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and address societal challenges while upholding ethical standards and ensuring inclusivity.
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology is set to unveil the finalized national policy on artificial intelligence in the coming months, heralding a new era of AI development and deployment in Ethiopia.
According to the “State of AI in Africa 2023 report,” The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in African countries will have a significant impact on various aspects of life that involve human intelligence and interaction. AI technologies can be utilized by businesses and institutions to customize tasks, streamline processes, foster innovation, and enhance and support staff operations.
By 2030, PwC predicts that the global gross domestic product (GDP) will witness a significant boost of over $15 trillion due to the integration of AI and related technologies.
Hikmatu Bilali
