Pan-African Parliamentarians Press for African-Centered AI Governance

During the Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, Members of Parliament engaged in a robust exchange with Dr. Agnes Najjuko Kasirye Kiragga and Dr. Anthony Francis Mveyange, raising pointed questions on data ownership, digital infrastructure, talent development, and the socio-economic implications of AI. Their interventions revealed both urgency and determination to ensure that Africa transitions from being a passive consumer of technology to becoming a creator, regulator, and protector of its digital future.

AI for Policy and Governance

Lawmakers emphasized that AI could transform legislative practice by helping parliamentarians analyze complex laws more quickly and effectively, citing Botswana’s cybersecurity legislation as an example where AI tools could have provided timely, data-driven insights.

MPs pressed for national AI strategies to move beyond paper to practice, insisting that adoption and evaluation frameworks must be established to guide safe and responsible AI across the continent. They called for model laws on AI governance, to be developed and harmonized efficiently across African states, with clear timelines for implementation and structured involvement of the Pan-African Parliament in policy frameworks.

Data Ownership and Sovereignty

Data sovereignty dominated the debate. MPs asked bluntly: “Who controls Africa’s data?” They raised concerns about foreign access to strategic datasets, such as cocoa production data from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, and warned that without local control, Africa risks becoming “data-rich but power-poor.”

Members demanded stronger protection of sensitive national data while ensuring development-oriented sharing mechanisms. They also questioned how Africa’s over 2,000 languages could be integrated into AI systems to prevent cultural and linguistic marginalization.

The push for universal standards for data protection versus country-specific systems sparked discussion on how to balance cybersecurity with flexibility, and how to safeguard data sovereignty while enabling innovation.

Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity

The digital divide was identified as a major barrier to AI adoption. MPs highlighted connectivity gaps, particularly between urban and rural areas in countries such as Senegal, and asked how unconnected populations can be brought online to participate in an AI-driven economy.

They urged investment in data centers beyond the usual hubs - South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Angola, Ghana, Morocco, and Senegal so that smaller and less connected states can also become active players. Legislators also inquired about country-specific infrastructure needs, particularly in Kenya, Zambia, and North Africa, to support AI readiness.

Talent and Capacity Building

Recognizing Africa’s youth bulge as both a strength and a challenge, MPs sought practical measures to ensure young Africans are not just consumers but also creators of AI tools. They called for integrating AI into higher education curricula, expanding training in digital literacy, and scaling support for startups and innovators across the continent.

Such efforts, they argued, are critical for Africa to develop a robust pipeline of AI talent capable of shaping homegrown solutions.

Economic and Social Concerns

Parliamentarians underscored the risk of a “two-speed transformation” in Africa’s AI adoption, given high illiteracy rates and uneven capacity. They raised questions on how AI could help reduce historical inequalities, citing Ethiopia’s food security challenges as an example where AI tools could improve agricultural productivity and resilience.

MPs also expressed concern about the impact of automation such as robots in service sectors, on employment prospects for Africa’s youth and women. They sought clarity on how AI could help Africa produce more food locally, reduce dependency on aid, and foster inclusive growth.

Legal, Ethical, and Research Implications

The ethical dimensions of AI drew sharp focus. MPs questioned how Africa can guard against AI “hallucinations” in legal or academic research, and how to curb risks of misinformation, bias, and manipulation in digital spaces.

They insisted that AI governance frameworks must strike a balance between innovation and citizen protection, ensuring respect for human rights, cultural diversity, and digital sovereignty. AI, they argued, must enhance Africa’s competitiveness without compromising its values.

Cross-Border and Continental Cooperation

Finally, legislators pressed for a continental approach to AI governance, one that harmonizes national strategies with PAP’s oversight role, integrates civil society and regional institutions, and ensures shared ownership of Africa’s digital future.

They stressed that Africa must not be content with importing AI technologies but should instead master, manage, and innovate AI for local benefit. A harmonized framework, they argued, is essential for achieving economies of scale, avoiding fragmented approaches, and asserting Africa’s collective voice in global AI governance.

Conclusion

The PAP workshop revealed that African parliamentarians are not only alert to the promises and perils of AI but are also determined to shape Africa’s AI trajectory deliberately and responsibly. Their interventions highlighted the urgent need for clear policies, stronger infrastructure, protected data, investment in youth, and continental collaboration.

By asking hard questions and demanding actionable roadmaps, PAP MPs signaled that Africa’s parliaments are ready to take the lead in ensuring that AI becomes a driver of inclusion, sovereignty, and sustainable development, aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.