New Report Calls for Urgent AI Governance in East and Southern Africa

A new report has urged governments across East and Southern Africa to enact robust legislation to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning of significant ethical and human rights implications if the region lags in regulating the rapidly advancing technology. The report scrutinized AI governance frameworks in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Mauritius, and Zambia, emphasizing the need for swift and inclusive legislative action.

Conducted by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) with support from law firms such as K-Solutions Partners (Rwanda), ALP East Africa (Uganda and South Sudan), Bowmans (Mauritius, Tanzania, Zambia), and Triple OK Law (Kenya), the research was coordinated by ALP East Africa and facilitated through TrustLaw, the pro bono legal network of the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

AI Governance Gaps Highlighted

The report was launched during the ALP AI Forum in Kampala, Uganda, which runs from November 25–26, 2024. It identifies significant gaps in AI-specific legislation across the seven countries studied. Mauritius stands out as the only nation with AI-specific rules, notably the Financial Services (Robotic and Artificial Intelligence Enabled Advisory Services) Rules of 2021, which apply to the financial sector.

Kenya and Rwanda were praised for making strides toward AI-focused legislation. Rwanda’s national AI policy and Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act were singled out as models for embedding human rights and ethical principles into AI governance. Conversely, South Sudan was flagged for relying solely on general or soft laws, such as data protection regulations, which are inadequate to address the complexities of AI.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Involvement

While most of the constitutions across the region underscore the importance of public participation, the report finds a lack of clear guidelines for meaningful stakeholder engagement. Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, and Zambia were highlighted for minimal involvement of the general public in the policymaking process, with participation often limited to select NGOs and experts.

“It is evident that without swift and comprehensive legislative action, the region risks falling behind in AI’s ethical and effective governance, which has significant implications for human rights and societal well-being,” the report warns.

Policy Recommendations

The report recommends benchmarking local policies against global standards, such as UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics. Key proposals include:

• Enhancing Public Awareness: Campaigns to promote informed public participation in AI policy discussions.
• Human Rights-Centered Policies: Ensuring AI governance aligns with ethical principles and respects human rights.
• Clear Guidelines for Public Participation: Establishing robust frameworks for stakeholder involvement in legislative processes.

Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, described the findings as timely, given AI’s growing role in agriculture, healthcare, and telecommunications across the region. “We must laud the efforts of every organisation or individual who made this possible. It is my appeal to all stakeholders to play a role in ensuring legislative action so we are not left behind,” Sesan remarked.

About the Research and Facilitators

The research was spearheaded by Paradigm Initiative, an organization promoting digital rights and opportunities across 27 African countries. TrustLaw, the pro bono network of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, facilitated the legal research, leveraging expertise from global law firms.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation aims to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law, and promote responsible business through initiatives like TrustLaw. Paradigm Initiative, known for its advocacy for an open and affordable internet, also runs digital rights education platforms like Ayeta and Ripoti.

The Path Ahead

As AI adoption accelerates in East and Southern Africa, the report underscores the urgency of establishing robust, ethical, and inclusive frameworks to govern its use. Without swift action, the region risks falling behind in reaping the benefits of AI while safeguarding societal well-being and human rights.