The session will explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable development across the diverse nations of West Africa. In an era where the global digital revolution is redefining economies and societies, AI and emerging technologies hold unparalleled promise to accelerate progress and tackle the region’s most persistent challenges—poverty, inequality, and limited access to essential services. Yet, this promise comes with profound questions: How do we ensure that these advancements serve all West Africans, from urban tech hubs to remote rural villages, and how do we address the complex barriers that stand in the way? This interactive roundtable discussion is designed to bring together a dynamic mix of voices—policymakers, technologists, private sector innovators, academics, and civil society leaders—to grapple with these issues and co-create actionable solutions. Our objectives are clear and ambitious: Strategic Alignment: To explore how national AI strategies can be developed and implemented to reflect both the unique needs of individual West African countries and the shared aspirations of regional frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ethical Governance: To examine the policies and frameworks required to ensure data governance that is secure, ethical, and equitable, respecting the region’s rich diversity of cultures, languages, and legal traditions.
Inclusive Innovation: To investigate how technological innovations can drive economic growth and social inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in West Africa’s digital transformation.
Through an open and collaborative dialogue, this session will dive into five critical policy questions that will shape the future of AI and innovation in our region: How can West African countries craft national AI strategies that not only align with continental goals but also address local realities—such as uneven infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and economic disparities—that differ from one nation to the next?
What data governance policies are needed to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, security, and ethical standards in a region where regulatory capacity varies and legal systems diverge?
How can governments and the private sector collaborate to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that AI-driven solutions reach both urban centers and rural communities, transcending linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers?
What role can regional cooperation play—through entities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—in harmonizing AI and data policies to unlock cross-border innovation and strengthen economic integration?
This session is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action.
