Document :

ITU-D SG02 RAPPORTEUR GROUP MEETING  Contribution  28

Title :

Guidelines for ethical, inclusive and responsible artificial intelligence in French-speaking Africa: a governance reference framework to guide the adoption of emerging technologies

Date :

2026-08-12

Source :

Senegal

AI/Question :

Q1/2, Q5/1, Q5/2

Meeting :

2026-10-07

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

This contribution presents to ITU D the guidelines for ethical, inclusive and responsible AI in French-speaking Africa. This reference framework, which has been co-developed by the Governments of six French-speaking African countries and research and regional institutions, and facilitated by Niyel, serves as a strategic common regulatory framework that allows them to shape AI according to their own priorities and interests, rather than having AI forced upon them.
In response to the Questions of ITU D Study Groups 1 and 2, specifically Questions 5/1, 1/2 and 5/2, these guidelines demonstrate how governance grounded in local realities and digital sovereignty can pave the way for the controlled and sustainable adoption of AI. The guidelines serve as a governance reference framework and set out an operational framework for developing, implementing and evaluating ethical, inclusive and responsible AI policies based on seven fundamental principles and five strategic priorities.