The Eastern Africa sub-Regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence (EARFAI) is set to convene in Nairobi from June 24th to 26th, bringing together 15 nations to explore the potential of AI for sustainable development in the region.
The event, organized jointly by UNESCO and the Kenyan government, will gather hundreds of delegates, including ministers, experts, and industry leaders, under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development in Eastern Africa: Governance, Ethics, Capacities, and Partnerships.”
Focus on Ethics and Implementation
A key focus of the forum will be the practical implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, the only global standard on AI adopted by 193 countries in 2021.
The Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) will be presented, highlighting the progress of 22 African countries in implementing the ethical framework. This initiative is crucial for fostering responsible AI development and ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of society.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
EARFAI will also serve as a platform for collaboration and capacity building. Representatives from the Eastern African private sector will join UNESCO’s Business Council on the Ethics of AI, while female experts from the region will discuss the role of women in AI through a session with UNESCO’s Women4Ethical AI network.
A Game Changer for the Region
Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, emphasized the importance of the forum: “EARFAI is crucial to advancing good AI governance, based on the UNESCO Recommendation…Kenya and East Africa are leading the way in this domain, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to harness AI for the benefit of their people and their economies.”
The event has been lauded by Kenyan officials, with Amb. Peter Ngure, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, highlighting the country’s role as a gateway to Africa for AI advancements. Dr. James Njogu, CEO of KNATCOM-UNESCO, expressed gratitude for the government’s support in hosting this important event.
Alexandros Makarigakis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for East Africa, sees EARFAI as a significant milestone: “The conference will be a catalyst for cementing Africa’s legacy in matters of AI…we envisage that the event will be a game changer for economic transformation in the region.”
Looking Ahead
Building upon previous successful events like the UNESCO Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Africa (Morocco, 2018) and the Southern Africa sub-Regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence (Namibia, 2022), EARFAI promises to be a dynamic gathering.
The focus on interactive workshops and addressing education challenges through AI sets this event apart, making it a crucial platform for shaping the future of AI in Eastern Africa.
The forum will also support the ongoing development of the African Union Continental Strategy on AI, demonstrating UNESCO’s commitment to a coordinated global approach to AI governance.
EARFAI 2024 promises to be a significant moment for the advancement of ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI across Eastern Africa, paving the way for a brighter future for the region.
