US-Nigeria AI Conference to Shape Africa’s Tech Future

U.S. and Nigeria to host AI conference in Lagos: The U.S. Department of State and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are organizing a conference on “Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa” in Lagos, Nigeria, on September 10-11, 2024.

• The conference will bring together over 200 stakeholders, including senior officials from the United States and Africa, private sector executives, civil society members, and academia.
• Participants will discuss opportunities and challenges in responsible AI development, deployment, and use.
• The event aims to identify and harmonize AI governance strategies between the United States and African nations to ensure safer, more secure, transparent, and trustworthy AI deployments in Africa.

Building on recent diplomatic efforts: The conference follows several key diplomatic initiatives and visits to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations.

• It builds on the U.S. Secretary of State’s trip to Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola in January 2024.
• The event expands on Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s visit to Abuja for the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
• The conference also follows the adoption and co-sponsorship of a UN resolution on AI systems for sustainable development by 18 sub-Saharan African countries in March.

Advancing the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative: The conference aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to promote digital development across the African continent.

• The initiative aims to invest in expanding digital access and literacy in Africa.
• It also focuses on strengthening the digital business enabling environment across the continent.

Key U.S. representatives: The conference will feature prominent U.S. officials leading discussions on AI and Africa relations.

• The U.S. delegation will be led by Dr. Seth Center, Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology.
• Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joy Basu will also be part of the delegation.
• Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will provide recorded remarks for the conference.

Broader implications for AI governance and development: This conference represents a significant step towards fostering international cooperation on AI development and governance.

• By bringing together diverse stakeholders from the United States and Africa, the conference aims to create a more inclusive approach to AI development and deployment.
• The focus on harmonizing AI governance strategies could lead to more standardized and ethical AI practices across the African continent.
• This initiative may serve as a model for future collaborations between developed and developing nations in shaping the future of AI technology and its applications for sustainable development.