By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The United
Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has recommended 40 experts for the
newly established Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial
Intelligence, highlighting Africa’s growing voice in global technology
governance. Pending approval by the UN General Assembly, the panel will provide
independent, science-based guidance on AI development, ethics, and policy
frameworks worldwide.
Africa
is represented by six experts: Girmaw Abebe Tadesse (Ethiopia), Tegawendé F. B.
(Burkina Faso), Adji Bousso Dieng (Senegal), Awa Bousso Dramé (Cabo Verde), Mennattallah
El-Assady (Egypt) and Vukosi Marivate (South Africa). Their inclusion signals
recognition of the continent’s emerging AI research, innovation, and
capacity-building efforts, as well as the importance of African perspectives in
shaping fair, inclusive, and sustainable AI governance.
The
panel is expected to help governments, organizations, and civil society make
evidence-based decisions, ensuring that AI advances benefit humanity broadly
while safeguarding against risks. The General Assembly will vote on the
nominations in the coming months, marking a critical moment for Africa’s
participation in global AI policy.
