Africa Law & Tech Review Vol. 32
Lawyers Hub
Lawyers Hub is a Law-Tech organisation working on Digital policy and Justice innovation
Welcome to the Africa Law & Tech Review, a publication, by Lawyers Hub, that delves into the intersections of law, technology, business, digital rights, and features policy advancements across Africa and beyond. The Lawyers Hub is an organization based in Kenya working at the confluence of Law, Policy, and Technology. Learn more about who we are and what we do.
UN Advisory Body Releases Global AI Governance Blueprint
The United Nations Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence (HLAB-AI) released its final report, "Governing AI for Humanity," on September 19, 2024. This landmark report proposes a framework for global AI governance, emphasising the need for international cooperation to address significant gaps in how artificial intelligence is currently governed. One of the key concerns raised is the limited participation of countries, particularly in the Global South, in existing AI governance initiatives.
The report draws on extensive consultations, including input from over 2,000 participants globally. This involved consultations with experts, civil society, and industry representatives, combined with the largest global horizon scan on AI risks and an opportunity scan for emerging AI trends. These efforts have culminated in a set of seven key recommendations aimed at fostering a more inclusive, coordinated, and effective approach to AI governance.
Among the report’s recommendations is;?
The report stresses the need to ensure that AI governance reflects a broad range of voices, particularly from underrepresented regions. It also highlights the economic implications of AI, noting its potential to boost global GDP but underscoring the importance of managing risks related to job displacement, digital infrastructure, and ethical concerns.
Unchecked AI Could Undermine Democracy, Warns UN Chief
In a message for the International Day of Democracy, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that unchecked artificial intelligence poses a serious threat to democratic systems. He highlighted the dangers of AI being used to spread disinformation, fuel hate speech, and distort public opinion through deepfakes. With over 50 countries holding elections this year, these risks are especially pressing. However, Guterres also emphasised AI’s potential for good governance, urging responsible AI use to enhance transparency and public participation. Recommendations include strengthening AI governance at both national and international levels.
Kenya wants to make major improvement to its ICT policy after 26 years
Kenya's ICT Sector Working Group has presented a report to the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, outlining policy and legislative reforms to modernise the country’s ICT environment.?
The report, delivered to Cabinet Secretary, includes recommendations to enhance innovation, skills development, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. A Multi-Stakeholder Project Coordination and Delivery Unit, along with a high-level governance framework, will be established to oversee the implementation of these recommendations.?
With the last major reforms occurring in 1998, John Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, emphasised the urgency for updates to address the evolving ICT landscape. The Ministry is also launching new ICT Directorates and a Continental Centre of Excellence to advance public sector skills.
AI Could Add Over $30 Billion to Africa’s Economy in the Next Decade, Says Report
A new report from research consultancy Public First reveals that Artificial Intelligence could contribute more than $30 billion to Africa's economy over the next ten years. Commissioned by Google, the report highlights AI’s potential to address critical challenges across the continent, including healthcare, agriculture, and digital inclusion. The report also emphasises the growing internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is expected to boost GDP significantly.?
Kenya’s ICT Authority Launches Strategic Plan for 2024-2027
The ICT Authority has unveiled its Strategic Plan (2024-2027), focusing on advancing government priority policies, including the Digital Superhighway and creative economy initiatives. The plan highlights projects such as expanding secure broadband infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and e-government services.
Zambia Chamber of Mines supports AI in curriculum
The Zambia Chamber of Mines is calling for the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies into Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training curricula to modernise the sector and boost output. ZCM Vice President made this appeal during a meeting with the Science and Technology Minister, as Zambia prepares to host the World Skills Africa Competition 2025
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Uganda Launches AI4Health Incubation Grant
Uganda has launched the AI4Health Incubation Grant, led by STI Pathogen Labs in collaboration with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat (STI), Marconi Lab, and AI Lab Makerere. The initiative aims to support the commercialization of AI-driven health technologies, serving as an early-stage incubator for transforming innovations into scalable businesses that can impact the health sector.
Malawi Unveils Smart Village Initiative with Huawei
Malawi has announced a Smart Village Initiative in partnership with global telecom leader Huawei, aimed at boosting Internet access in rural areas. President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera revealed the plan during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing. The initiative seeks to drive digital transformation and provide essential digital services to millions of Malawians in isolated communities.
AI tool cuts unexpected deaths in hospital by 26%, Canadian study finds
A Canadian study has found that an AI tool called Chartwatch has reduced unexpected deaths in hospitals by 26%. Launched in 2020 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, the AI-based early warning system monitors patients’ medical records and predicts potential deterioration in their health.?
The technology, developed by Unity Health Toronto, alerts healthcare teams to intervene early, saving lives. Researchers studied more than 13,000 patient admissions, with the system's success highlighted in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The AI tool is being recognized as a key innovation in improving patient care.?
OpenAI hits more than 1 million paid business users
OpenAI has surpassed 1 million paying users for its business products, including ChatGPT Enterprise, Team, and Edu, reflecting a significant increase from 600,000 users in April. This surge indicates the success of CEO Sam Altman's efforts to promote enterprise adoption of ChatGPT.?
In addition, OpenAI is exploring higher-priced subscriptions for upcoming models like "Strawberry" and "Orion," with potential monthly fees reaching up to $2,000, amidst reports of ongoing discussions with major investors like Apple and Nvidia, which could elevate the company's valuation beyond $100 billion.
SolarWinds: IT professionals want stronger AI regulation
A new survey by SolarWinds has found that 88% of IT professionals advocate for stronger government oversight of Artificial Intelligence. The survey, which included nearly 700 IT experts, identifies security and privacy as primary concerns, with 72% emphasising the need for better infrastructure security and 64% calling for enhanced privacy protections.?
The study also highlights widespread support for government intervention to address AI-generated misinformation and ensure transparency and ethical practices. However, it notes a lack of trust in data quality, with only 38% of respondents confident in the data used for AI systems. This scepticism, alongside data quality challenges, is seen as a major barrier to successful AI adoption.
Irish Data Protection Commission launches inquiry into Google AI model
The Irish Data Protection Commission has initiated a statutory inquiry into Google Ireland Limited to assess its compliance with Article 35 of the GDPR, concerning Data Protection Impact Assessments. The investigation focuses on whether Google conducted the required assessment before processing personal data of EU/EEA subjects in developing its AI model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2). This inquiry is part of the DPC’s broader effort, in collaboration with EU regulators, to oversee personal data processing in AI system development. DPIAs are essential in protecting individual rights when high-risk data processing is involved.
About us
The Lawyers Hub is an organization based in Kenya working at the confluence of Law, Policy, and Technology. We run capacity-building initiatives on data protection, AI policy and regulation, justice innovation, and the impacts of tech regulation on the African continent, all under the Africa Digital Policy Institute umbrella. We also offer technical legal support to innovators and startups through the Africa Startup Law Accelerator. Additionally, we convene weekly policy discussions and bring together digital policy and technology actors annually at the Africa Law Tech Festival in July. Every December we convene judicial actors during the Africa Legal Innovation Week. The Lawyers Hub is also the publisher of the Africa Journal on Law & Tech. Our thematic focus areas include AI and Data Governance, Digital Platforms and Infrastructure Regulation, Intellectual Property, Internet Governance, Justice-Tech, and Digital Democracy.Learn more about who we are and what we do.
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