UNESCO keeps pushing AI in Africa forward by connecting skills, ethics, and public policy. Over the years, Director‑General Audrey Azoulay has steered global action on AI ethics, and now UNESCO’s work aligns with the continental AI strategy, shaped alongside the African Union.
It’s a practical approach: help countries build capacity, guide governments, and monitor risks to rights as AI for Africa programmes grow. Across the continent, UNESCO supports AI governance that aligns with local realities while not ignoring global standards.
They’re working with ministries, courts, schools, and research groups. By connecting national efforts with regional plans—like the continental strategy on artificial intelligence—UNESCO aims to prevent rules from fragmenting or access from remaining uneven.
Building skills for public services and future talent
UNESCO rolled out a structured plan called the AI Initiative for Africa. This roadmap sets out clear actions for the next few years and links up training, research, and policy reforms.
The public sector sits at the heart of this. UNESCO wants to train over 15,000 civil servants to understand AI systems and how digital changes impact their daily work.
These sessions focus on topics such as data use, service delivery, and decision support. The SPAARK‑AI Alliance helps expand the impact even more.
It’s a network of public administration schools from 45 African Countries. Trained officials then pass what they learn to thousands of colleagues throughout ministries and agencies.
The justice system gets its own spotlight. UNESCO plans to train 5,000 judges and prosecutors on AI tools and the legal risks they entail.
A recent global survey revealed that many legal professionals already use AI tools, but most haven’t had any formal training. That’s a bit worrying, isn’t it?
This gap exposes people to risks in areas like:
- Privacy, when systems process personal data
- Non‑discrimination, when biased data affects outcomes
- Freedom of expression, when automated systems shape speech
UNESCO wants to close this gap and support fair legal processes by strengthening skills.
Education and research matter, too. UNESCO backs future generations with targeted learning programmes.
They train 2,000 teachers and students through a youth coding scheme that builds up basic AI and digital skills.
The organisation also teams up with 30 education policy makers from 15 African countries. This support helps governments rethink school systems and curricula for the digital age.
There’s also a new pan‑African incubator that brings a research focus. It supports 1,500 researchers working on AI projects designed for African contexts and the goals of the continental AI strategy.
A policy support tool for stronger AI governance
UNESCO just launched a new digital platform to boost AI governance. They built this tool in partnership with the South African G20 Presidency.
The Technology Policy Assistance Facility offers a hand to governments, researchers, and civil society groups who want to shape smarter AI policies. Here’s what you’ll find:
| Resource type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Case studies | Show how policies work in practice |
| Training materials | Build policy and technical skills |
| Expert directory | Connect users with global and UNESCO specialists |
The platform lets countries create tailor‑made national roadmaps. These plans align with local ambitions and global standards for AI ethics and human rights.
It covers five policy areas, such as infrastructure and innovation. Both G20 members and developing countries can use it, which, honestly, should help close some stubborn policy gaps between regions.
UNESCO ties this tool into the continental strategy on artificial intelligence to boost coordination across Africa. This way, countries can focus on ethical, practical, and homegrown uses of AI—no need to rush if they’re not ready.
UNESCO Unveils New AI Solutions For Its Development In Africa
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