Who owns Africa’s AI future?

How can the African Union strengthen African ownership and governance in an increasingly AI-driven world?

Date: 2026-11-19

Time: 09:00 to 11:00

Venue: Abyssinia Hall, Old Building, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa and online via Zoom

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping Africa’s economies, public services and security, yet the infrastructure, data and capital behind it remain largely owned beyond the continent. This seminar will examine progress, gaps and opportunities in implementing the African Union’s (AU) Continental AI Strategy.

The discussion will draw on the findings of the Institute for Security Studies’ (ISS) PSC Report on AI to examine where Africa stands on infrastructure, energy, data and financing, and what the misuse of AI means for peace, security and sovereignty.

Simultaneous French-English interpretation will be provided.

Moderator: Dr Willis Okumu, Senior Researcher and Project Lead, ISS Nairobi

Panelists:

• Souhila Amazouz, Principal AI and Digital Policy Coordinator, AU Commission
• Moussa Soumahoro, Researcher, ISS Addis Ababa
• Adivhaho Florence Ramaite, Strategic Advisor, United Nations Development Programme, South Africa
• Dr Taye Girma, Deputy Director General, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (TBC)