At the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Côte d’Ivoire emerged as a powerful proponent for inclusive and collaborative artificial intelligence.

Mr. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, represented Côte d’Ivoire, urging a global AI governance framework that learns from past missteps while firmly positioning Africa at the forefront of this technological transformation. He commenced his address by commending the UN’s initiative and conveying a message from his nation’s President.

Acknowledging the immense stakes involved, Mr. Ouattara underscored AI’s profound impact. He referenced a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), noting: “According to a PWC study, AI could contribute an astounding $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. However, a critical question arises: which economies will truly reap these benefits?”

For Abidjan, the answer is unequivocal: “Côte d’Ivoire firmly believes that AI must not be the exclusive domain of a select few economies or platforms. Instead, it should serve as an engine for shared, ethical progress.”

A national digital ambition with five foundational initiatives

Côte d’Ivoire is strategically leveraging digital technology to ascend to the ranks of upper-middle-income emerging nations. With 95% broadband coverage presently, the country aims for 100% to ensure “all government services are accessible online.”

This ambitious digital transformation is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation. Its comprehensive roadmap includes “a strategic pillar dedicated to implementing an inclusive and ethical Ivorian artificial intelligence.” The objective is clear: “to harness AI as a catalyst for sovereignty, productivity, inclusion, and social advancement for all citizens.”

Four pillars for global AI governance

Côte d’Ivoire presented a compelling case for a global artificial intelligence governance model built upon four essential pillars. The first is inclusion, ensuring “no country is left behind in this revolution, and developing nations receive support in accessing vital infrastructure, data, and funding.” The second pillar is trust, fostered through “clear principles of transparency, robust cybersecurity, and stringent data protection.”

The third is interoperability, achieved via “open architectures and the secure flow of data crucial for development.” Finally, the fourth pillar is cooperative digital sovereignty, which “empowers each nation to participate in defining the rules and adapting AI to its unique realities.”

The Minister emphasized the imperative of supranational frameworks: “Given that the digital realm inherently transcends borders, we actively engage in all supranational initiatives designed to shield our citizens from potential biases and ideological influences in AI utilization.”

Towards an African School of AI

Drawing upon Côte d’Ivoire’s successful experiences within OHADA, CAMES, and UEMOA, Mr. Ouattara issued a call for collective action. “Therefore, I seize this platform to advocate for regional cooperation and the pooling of efforts, projects, and investments.” The overarching goal is to construct shared infrastructure, develop tools for informational heritage, and critically, to foster education and training.

His flagship proposal involves establishing a Regional African School of Artificial Intelligence. He views this initiative as indispensable for AI to deliver tangible benefits “immediately to our populations in critical areas such as health, education, and food security,” he underscored.

Côte d’Ivoire’s participation culminated with a strong endorsement for inclusive global artificial intelligence governance. In closing, the nation welcomed “the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact” and reaffirmed “its steadfast commitment to collaborating with the United Nations, ITU, and UNESCO towards inclusive global governance. My country is convinced that the future of AI must be forged collectively, serving as an instrument of shared progress,” he declared.