Kenya, in collaboration with UNESCO, is set to host the Eastern Africa sub-regional Forum on Artificial Intelligence (EARFAI) in Nairobi tomorrow. The forum will convene representatives from 15 nations to explore the potential of AI in the region, with a strong emphasis on governance, ethics, capacities, and partnerships.
Central to EARFAI will be discussions on the implementation of UNESCO’s global standard on AI ethics, which has been adopted by 193 countries. Nearly 60 countries, including 22 from Africa, are currently implementing the standard through the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), a diagnostic tool to ensure ethical AI practices.
Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, will lead the delegation and oversee keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops during the forum. The event will also showcase RAM reports from Eastern African countries, highlighting their progress and challenges in AI governance.
In a significant move towards inclusive AI development, the forum will feature participation from Eastern African private sector leaders joining UNESCO’s Business Council on AI ethics. Additionally, female experts from the region will discuss the pivotal role of women in AI as part of the UNESCO Women4Ethical AI network session.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Peter Ngure, emphasized Kenya’s role as Africa’s gateway for AI advancements, positioning the forum as a catalyst for transformative solutions that benefit society.
James Njogu, CEO of KNATCOM-UNESCO, expressed gratitude for Kenya’s steadfast support in organizing the forum, underscoring its importance as a pivotal event in global AI discussions.
UNESCO’s Regional Office for East Africa Director, Alexandros Makarigakis, hailed EARFAI as a milestone for sub-Saharan Africa, positioning AI as a key driver for sustainable development in Eastern Africa.
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