Zambia has announced a grand ambitions to create the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework public.
On this, the Zambian government is working with the Tony Blair Institute, which is well-known for providing strategic advice, to develop an AI strategy that will promote technological innovation.
In order to encourage entrepreneurship in the ICT industry, Minister Mutati emphasized the upcoming Startup Bill, which was created with help from the European Union (EU).
Speaking to the urgent need for AI frameworks that are supportive, Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology emphasized that Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is now undergoing modifications that are crucial for the efficient application of AI technologies. These programs were announced in Lusaka at the Future of AI in Africa Conference.
The completion of Zambia’s AI strategy draft was revealed by Minister Mutati at the CAMINEX event in Kitwe. The strategy is scheduled for official launch in July 2024 and represents a significant step towards utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
In terms of regulatory changes, Zambia is currently developing new standards for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector under a Statutory Instrument (SI). Upholding ethical standards among ICT practitioners is the goal of this measure.
Zambia’s initiatives to regulate AI are in line with those of other African regions. Nigeria recently brought together specialists to create a national AI strategy, and the effort attracted substantial financing.
To steer policy development, South Africa is forming an AI Expert Advisory Council, which is indicative of a push for responsible AI governance throughout the continent.
