At the Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit in Lusaka, leaders called for a unified digital strategy to drive inclusive growth across the continent. In an interview with TechAfrica News, Hon. Behdja Lammali, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) must serve all Africans – particularly those in rural areas.
“AI offers an important avenue for improving healthcare, industry, and transport,” Lammali said. “If we are united and follow a strong strategy, AI will accelerate Africa’s development.”
She also stressed the urgent need for harmonized data protection laws, noting that African delegates agreed to collaborate on a legislative framework to safeguard data across borders.
But none of this progress is possible, Lammali cautioned, without energy infrastructure. “Without energy, we can’t go to AI,” she said, highlighting electricity access as a critical enabler of digital transformation.
Calling the summit “very important for the advancement of our continent and humanity in general,” Lammali underscored the need for strong leadership and collective action to raise Africa’s global digital profile.
The summit highlighted the interconnected pillars of Africa’s digital future – AI, energy, data protection, and political unity – as essential for realizing the continent’s digital ambitions.
