South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has emphasized the need for Africa to have a say in shaping global rules that govern artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Lamola highlighted the continent's vast reserves of critical minerals and its young population as key factors that could help narrow the gap between richer and poorer countries. He also stressed that African states could contribute to AI research and innovation.
Lamola's comments come as the African Union (AU) seeks to give the continent a greater role in global AI governance. The AU's Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, adopted in 2024, calls for an Africa-centered approach to the technology and the development of common governance frameworks to ensure its responsible use. The bloc has also brought together African diplomats in Geneva to coordinate the continent's position in international negotiations on AI and digital policy.
South Africa is also developing its own AI industry, with Johannesburg-based company Lelapa AI building language technology designed for African languages. The company focuses on smaller and more resource-efficient models that can operate with limited computing power. This move is part of a broader push by South Africa to establish itself as a leader in AI research and innovation.
Earlier this month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa proposed that BRICS establish an international mechanism for the independent scientific assessment of AI. He also called for AI companies to face formal external checks and government oversight. This proposal is part of a broader effort to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and transparent manner.
Africa accounts for more than a quarter of UN member states, yet has no permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Lamola renewed Pretoria's push for broader reform of global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. He emphasized the need for Africa to have a greater voice in global decision-making.
The African continent is home to a large and growing youth population, which could provide a significant talent pool for AI research and innovation. At the same time, Africa's vast reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, are essential for the development of AI technologies. These resources give Africa a major role in emerging technologies like AI.
Lamola's call for Africa to have a say in global AI rules reflects a broader push by African countries to assert their influence in global affairs. The continent is seeking to play a greater role in shaping global standards and rules for emerging technologies like AI. Key points include:
Key points
- Africa's resources and young population give it a major role in emerging technologies like AI.
- The African Union has adopted a Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy to ensure the responsible use of AI.
- South Africa is developing its own AI industry, with a focus on language technology designed for African languages.
