The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) has launched a new Artificial Intelligence Institute to promote responsible AI innovation, strengthen policy development, and build technical capacity across Africa.
Launched virtually, the institute aims to align with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, supporting AU member states in designing national AI policies, developing AI tools for key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and advancing gender equity in digital access.
In his keynote, Dr. Laurent Bochereau from the EU Delegation to the African Union reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to AI collaboration with Africa, noting that the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 will allocate €500.5 million across 24 research areas, including AI.
The institute will serve as a bridge between policy and implementation, said Prof. Brando Okolo of AUDA-NEPAD. Amb. Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s envoy to Belgium, stressed that Africa must lead its own AI journey.
One major focus is gender inclusion. Research by Dr. Devotha Nyambo shows that women, particularly farmers, face barriers in accessing AI tools due to limited mobile and internet access. She called for gender-disaggregated data in AI development to avoid systemic bias.
The institute will support community-led design, create centres of excellence, and promote local-language AI tools. It also plans to assist countries in harmonizing AI laws and ethics, build AI-related skills, and convene annual AI safety summits.
The rollout of the AU’s AI Strategy begins in 2025 with a focus on governance and capacity building, followed by core project implementation from 2028. ACTS will work with regional blocs, governments, and international partners to ensure the initiative is inclusive, sustainable, and Africa-led.
