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ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Strong Legal Framework for AI Development in West Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, has emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to govern the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in West Africa. At a meeting in Dakar, Senegal, Ibrahima stressed that the subregion must adopt new learning models to meet global technological demands and prioritize digital transformation and innovation in education to shape the future of the region. She highlighted the need for inclusive digital learning, urging participants to develop concrete regional strategies that ensure every child can access digital tools from school.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ECOWAS Parliament has called for a strong legal framework for AI development across West Africa to ensure responsible adoption and regulation of AI technologies.
  • Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima emphasized the need for new learning models to meet global technological demands and prioritized digital transformation and innovation in education.
  • The speaker highlighted the importance of inclusive digital learning and urged participants to develop concrete regional strategies to ensure every child can access digital tools from school.
  • Ibrahima queried how Africa can "humanise education" in a world where AI replaces teachers and emphasized the need to build a region where every child can learn, grow, and contribute to prosperity.
  • Senegal's Minister of National Education, Moustapha Guirassy, proposed a West African Pact on AI use in education, guided by a regional ethical charter and African-language digital resources.
  • Guirassy announced that Senegal has allocated 1,105 billion CFA for education and 130 billion CFA specifically for digital education, with plans to introduce AI basics training for teachers and sensitisation modules on algorithmic systems for secondary students.

Statistics:

  • 1,105 billion CFA allocated for education in Senegal.
  • 130 billion CFA specifically allocated for digital education in Senegal.
  • Senegal has adopted a new tech pact and national digital strategy (2025-2029).
  • 1.3 billion CFA (130 billion CFA) allocated for AI and digital education in Senegal.
  • Dakar, Senegal hosts the meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament's Joint Committee on education, science, and digital innovation.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • ECOWAS Parliament
  • Senegal's Ministry of National Education, Moustapha Guirassy's speech

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