NAIROBI, Kenya – As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves at a rapid pace, African nations are stepping up efforts to ensure that AI development reflects the continent’s unique values, development goals, and aspirations.
At the forefront of this movement is Qhala, a leading African digital transformation company, which is spearheading efforts to shape the future of responsible and inclusive AI.
Through a landmark workshop held for policymakers, Qhala is ensuring that Africa plays a central role in the ethical governance of AI technologies.
Held at the Four Points Sheraton in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area, the workshop brought together nearly 70 policymakers from diverse sectors, including government, parliament, academia, private sector, health, and education.
The session aimed to equip these influential figures with the knowledge and tools necessary to govern AI technologies responsibly and in alignment with Africa’s long-term development priorities, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop’s central focus was on ethical AI implementation and inclusive policymaking.
Participants engaged with real-world case studies that allowed them to reflect on critical issues, such as the identification of ethical risks like algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of growing digitalization.
“AI holds immense potential to solve some of Africa’s greatest challenges, but its development must be context-driven, with careful attention to Africa’s values and societal needs,” said Rachel Osendo, Lead Policy Consultant at Qhala. “This workshop is about more than just technology—it’s about shaping a future that mirrors the continent’s values and aspirations.”
The discussions centered around key themes, including the principles of AI governance in Africa, with a focus on public policy, ethics, and sustainable development, developing inclusive policies to ensure equitable access to AI technologies, gender representation, and the cultural relevance of AI applications, and exploring the potential of AI in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
This initiative is part of Qhala’s broader mission to lead Africa’s digital transformation with solutions crafted by Africans for Africa.
Through capacity building, policy research, and strategic partnerships, Qhala is empowering stakeholders across the continent to make informed decisions about AI.
The workshop also marks another important step in the company’s efforts to ensure that African voices are central to global AI governance conversations.
As AI gains increasing attention globally, Qhala continues to drive conversations that prioritize Africa’s development needs and innovation potential, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all and serve the continent’s unique priorities.
By engaging policymakers in this critical dialogue, Qhala is helping to set the stage for a future where AI is a tool for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable growth across Africa.
