AI in Elections Academy explores role of Artificial Intelligence in West Africa’s democratic processes
Date: 2025-10-01
Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from 10 ECOWAS Member States, representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, and technology experts gathered in Accra for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Elections Academy.
The two-day academy,
convened by Yiaga Africa in collaboration with the Support to ECOWAS in Peace,
Security and Governance (EPSG) project, is one of the region’s first
initiatives to examine the impact of AI on electoral processes. Participants
explored both opportunities and risks, ranging from improving voter data
management and logistics to tackling disinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic
manipulation.
The program strengthened the
capacity of election officials and civil society to responsibly apply AI in
electoral processes. It also equipped EMBs with tools for readiness
assessments, audits, and informed procurement, while emphasizing ethical
safeguards to protect citizens’ rights. Organizers say these outcomes will
support public trust, boost voter engagement, and enhance the credibility of
elections across the region.
The EPSG project is
commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union, and jointly implemented
by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH,
Expertise France, and Fundación para la Internacionalización de las
Administraciones Públicas (FIAP) in partnership with ECOWAS.
Yiaga Africa, a pan-African
movement advancing democracy and human rights, and the ECOWAS Commission said
the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion, and
democratic resilience in West Africa.
By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
