Three African countries—Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda—have pledged their commitment to addressing the risks associated with AI technologies. This commitment comes as part of the “Bletchley Declaration,” a groundbreaking initiative to ensure the safe and ethical development of AI. The declaration was established during the AI Safety Summit hosted by the UK government at Bletchley Park, England, and has garnered support from 25 other nations, including major AI players like the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Bletchley Declaration represents a landmark achievement in the realm of AI governance and recognizes the pressing need to understand and mitigate the potential risks posed by AI. Rishi Sunak, the UK’s prime minister, emphasized the significance of this global agreement in securing the long-term future for generations to come.
Nigeria’s Minister for Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, underscored the historical opportunity that AI offers to provide global access to insights and intelligence for development. He stressed the importance of safe, ethical, and inclusive AI development. Tijani’s dedication to expanding the use of AI in Nigeria is evident in the plans to establish a comprehensive national AI strategy, building upon the work initiated by his predecessor.
To further promote AI in Nigeria, the country launched the AI Research Scheme, which provides grants to 45 local startups and researchers, supporting the growth of a sustainable AI ecosystem. Nigeria aims to harness AI for the benefit of humanity and enhance its international competitiveness.
Rwanda, on the other hand, has taken significant strides in AI initiatives. In April 2023, Rwanda introduced a national AI policy with a clear focus on AI literacy, infrastructure, data strategy, AI integration in public and private sectors, and ethical implementation. This forward-thinking policy includes a substantial budget allocation of approximately $76.5 million over the next five years, positioning Rwanda as a leader in fostering trustworthy AI technologies tailored to the African context. Additionally, the country’s commitment to AI was demonstrated by hosting the prestigious ICLR conference, the top AI global event, for the first time in Africa.
Kenya, while signing the Bletchley Declaration, renewed its commitment to addressing existing AI-related risks within its borders. The Kenyan government recently halted the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project’s recruitment of new customers, citing concerns about data privacy and security. Kenya, like Nigeria, has not yet established an official national AI strategy or regulatory framework, relying on existing legislation, such as the Data Protection Act of 2019, to address AI-related issues. Experts stress the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to AI and emerging technologies in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of nuanced analysis and appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks.
The Bletchley Declaration, which brings together a diverse group of countries, aims to promote global collaboration in addressing AI challenges and ensuring the safe development of this transformative technology. The signatory nations include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and the Philippines, among others.
Michelle Donelan, the UK’s Technology Minister, highlighted the collective effort required to build public trust and ensure the safe development of AI. The Bletchley Declaration sets the stage for a new era of global cooperation in managing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.
