TLDR: At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Kenya has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) future. The nation is leading critical negotiations on AI and Data Governance for the G77 plus China bloc and has put forward a proposal to host the Africa Regional Centre of Excellence for AI, underscoring its commitment to inclusive and equitable technological advancement across the continent.
Kenya has taken a prominent position on the global stage, spearheading discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and capacity building at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The East African nation is now at the forefront of negotiations on AI and Data Governance for the influential G77 plus China bloc, which represents developing countries in global technology dialogues. This leadership role highlights Kenya’s growing influence in ensuring Africa’s voice is heard in the development of international AI frameworks.
Building on its robust history of digital innovation, exemplified by the pioneering M-Pesa mobile money system and significant investments in digital infrastructure, Kenya is advocating for Africa’s active participation in establishing ethical, governance, and capacity development guidelines for AI. A key initiative proposed by Kenya is the establishment of an Africa Regional Centre of Excellence for AI, designed to foster infrastructure development, skills training, and strategic partnerships for AI innovation across the continent.
Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo addressed the Assembly, emphasizing AI’s dual nature. “AI can be a powerful force for peace, from conflict prevention and cyber defence to humanitarian response, but we must remain vigilant against its misuse in cyberattacks, disinformation, autonomous weapons, and mass surveillance,” Kabogo stated. He also voiced strong support for the UN Secretary-General’s call for Voluntary Innovative Financing, deeming it essential for bolstering AI capacity building in Africa and narrowing the digital divide. Kabogo further stressed the importance of multilateralism, asserting, “Multilateralism must not only adapt to the future, it must shape it, inclusively and justly.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei chaired the launch of the UN Dialogue Mechanism on AI governance, describing Kenya’s contributions as “visible and strategic.” He acknowledged the instrumental role played by the Ministry of ICT and Kenya’s Tech Envoy, Ambassador Philip Thigo, in driving these efforts. Ambassador Thigo articulated Kenya’s vision for a collaborative AI future, stating, “The AI revolution cannot be managed by a select few but must be co-created by all, for the many. Anchored in equity, resilience, and dignity, Kenya’s initiatives signal a transformative chapter for Africa and the Global South in shaping the future of technology governance.”
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Further demonstrating its commitment, Kenya is planning to collaborate with the UN Secretary-General and President William Ruto to convene an expert group and an international conference focused on developing sustainable financing models for AI capacity building. These efforts collectively aim to ensure that Africa is not merely a consumer of AI technology but an active participant and shaper of its global future.
