At the United Nations’ Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Côte d’Ivoire emerged as a powerful advocate for inclusive and shared artificial intelligence.
Minister Djibril Ouattara, the government spokesperson for Communication, represented Côte d’Ivoire, articulating a vision for global artificial intelligence governance that avoids past pitfalls while firmly positioning Africa at the forefront of the technological revolution. The Minister commenced his address by commending the UN initiative and conveying a special message from his nation’s President.
Acknowledging the profound implications, Mr. Ouattara emphasized AI’s monumental transformative power. He referenced a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), stating: “According to research from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), AI could contribute an impressive 15.7 trillion dollars to the global economy by 2030. However, a crucial question arises: which economies will truly reap these benefits?”
For Abidjan, the answer is unequivocal: “Côte d’Ivoire’s position is clear: AI must not be the exclusive domain of a select few economies or platforms. It must serve as a catalyst for shared, ethical progress.”
A National Digital Ambition and Five Foundational Projects
Côte d’Ivoire is strategically leveraging digital transformation to ascend to the ranks of upper-middle-income emerging nations. With current broadband coverage at 95%, the country is striving for 100% to ensure “all government services are accessible online to every citizen.”
This ambitious transformation is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation. Its comprehensive roadmap incorporates “a strategic pillar dedicated to the implementation of an inclusive and ethical Ivorian artificial intelligence framework.” The overarching goal is distinct: “to harness AI as a driving force for national sovereignty, enhanced productivity, widespread inclusion, and social advancement for all.”
Four Pillars for Global AI Governance
Côte d’Ivoire passionately advocated for a global artificial intelligence governance structure built upon four essential pillars. The first is inclusion, ensuring “no country is left behind in this revolution, and that developing nations receive support in accessing vital infrastructure, data, and necessary funding.” The second pillar centers on trust, to be fostered through “clear principles of transparency, robust cybersecurity measures, and stringent data protection protocols.”
The third is interoperability, facilitated by “open architectural designs and the secure flow of data crucial for development.” Finally, the fourth pillar proposes cooperative digital sovereignty, “enabling every nation to actively participate in defining the rules and to adapt AI solutions to their unique national realities.”
The Minister underscored the critical need for supranational frameworks, stating: “Given that the digital realm inherently transcends borders, we are committed to participating in all supranational initiatives that can safeguard our citizens from potential biases and ideological influences in the application of AI.”
Towards an African School of AI
Drawing upon Côte d’Ivoire’s extensive experience within regional bodies like OHADA, CAMES, and UEMOA, Mr. Ouattara issued a compelling call for mutualization. “Therefore, I seize this platform to urge regional cooperation and the pooling of efforts, projects, and investments.” The objective is clear: to establish shared infrastructure, develop tools for information heritage, and, critically, to cultivate expertise through training.
His flagship proposal involves the establishment of a Regional African School of Artificial Intelligence. He considers this initiative indispensable for artificial intelligence to deliver tangible benefits “immediately to our populations concerning health, education, and food security,” he highlighted.
Côte d’Ivoire’s participation was also distinguished by its strong advocacy for inclusive global artificial intelligence governance. In closing, the nation applauded “the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact” and reiterated “its unwavering commitment to contribute, alongside the United Nations, ITU, and UNESCO, to inclusive global governance (…) My country firmly believes that the future of AI must be constructed collectively, serving as an instrument of shared progress,” he affirmed.