Register Conference Schedule

Background

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era filled with opportunities and challenges. One of the most pressing challenges facing societies globally is the ethical use of AI and safeguarding data privacy. As AI continues to transform industries and societies, finding the delicate equilibrium between technological progress and individual data sovereignty becomes increasingly vital.

In the year 2023, the African continent stands as an intricate microcosm of this global challenge. With its diverse cultures, economies, and stages of development, Africa presents a complex mosaic of opportunities and obstacles in the domains of AI and data privacy.

Statistics reveal the paradox of the African AI landscape. In 2022, AI spending across Africa reached $1.5 billion, marking a 50% increase from the previous year, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). This surge in investment is driven by the potential of AI to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and governance. However, these promising figures also underscore the potential risks linked to AI adoption, particularly concerning ethical considerations and data privacy concerns.

Amid this backdrop, the concept of data sovereignty has emerged as pivotal. Data sovereignty pertains to the control that nations and individuals exert over data generated within their borders or by their citizens. The rise of AI has led to an exponential increase in data generation and collection, with this data often holding substantial economic and social value. As the world witnesses the transformative power of AI-driven solutions, it is imperative to ensure that the benefits are equitably distributed while mitigating potential harms.

Africa’s historical context adds a unique layer of complexity to this conversation. Many African nations have grappled with issues of data exploitation and external control, rooted in historical inequalities and power dynamics. Therefore, the pursuit of ethical AI and data privacy in the African context not only addresses immediate challenges but also seeks to rectify historical injustices.

Sponsors

Blog

KEYS TO SUBSTANTIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE/DATA ECONOMY IN AFRICA.

KEYS TO SUBSTANTIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE/DATA ECONOMY IN AFRICA. Introduction Since the beginning of time, mankind has thrived on one type of economy or another. The first economy to ever thrive was the agricultural economy (pre-Industrial Age) where people focused on the agrarian sector, with fishing, hunting, and farming as a major means of […]

Read more

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION AND CYBERSECURITY LAWS IN JURISDICTIONS IN AFRICA: ENCOURAGING THE BEST

1. Introduction Personal data protection and cybersecurity in Africa is codified in domestic laws as well as regional and international legislation which some African countries have adopted. Apart from the Malabo Convention which was examined here, some other regional/international legislation that have been adopted by African countries include: The 2010 Supplementary Act on Personal Data […]

Read more

Challenges and Prospects of the AU Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

The Africa Data Protection Conclave (“The Conference”) is themed Personal Data Protection and Cybersecurity: Action Points for the Rise of the Africa Knowledge Economy. The Conference is structured along 4 distinct lines of intervention which include: The AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection: Understanding the Convention, its Challenges and Prospects. Comparative Review […]

Read more