Africa’s Role in Shaping Global AI Governance
Sunil Genes, SAP’s Director of Global Government Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility for Africa, emphasizes the importance of incorporating African perspectives in the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI) development, asserting that the narrative should focus on shaping AI with Africa, rather than merely about or for the continent.
His remarks come on the heels of the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission, which seeks to enhance AI access, bolster trust, and amplify its social and economic benefits. This initiative will unite representatives from governmental bodies, the private sector, and international organizations to explore actionable strategies for realizing AI’s potential while ensuring equitable access. The inaugural meeting is scheduled during the International Telecommunication Union’s AI for Good Global Summit set to take place in Geneva from July 7 to 10. This summit coincides with Digital Week, which runs from July 6 to 10, alongside the UN’s First Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum 2026.
Genes, who plans to attend the summit, advocates for an approach to global AI governance that focuses on economic growth and inclusion, urging African stakeholders to frame their agendas with clarity and ambition. He asserts, “Africa must tackle its challenges decisively. Our mandate should be straightforward yet bold: AI governance that fosters prosperity.”
To achieve this, he highlights the necessity for improved access to computing resources, investments in skill development, dependable data systems, open standards, innovations in local languages, responsible public procurement, and regulations designed to protect citizens without stifling entrepreneurial efforts. Furthermore, he identifies the urgent need to translate the African Union’s continental AI strategy into concrete national roadmaps, investment channels, and avenues for regional collaboration. “This is an exercise in tech diplomacy: 54 nations collaborating rather than presenting fragmented negotiations. This is where I aim to contribute value,” he remarked.
African representation within the commission received a significant boost with the appointment of Rwandan President Paul Kagame as co-chair, alongside Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce. This strengthens Africa’s voice in global discussions surrounding AI governance.
The ITU has stated that one of the commission’s primary objectives is to ensure equitable access to AI and address the global digital divide. Currently, an estimated 2.2 billion people remain disconnected from the internet, resulting in approximately a quarter of the world’s population missing out on AI-driven opportunities. The commission aims to transform AI into a tool that addresses global challenges rather than exacerbating inequality.
President Kagame underscored that technology should diminish inequalities and broaden access to AI’s benefits, stressing that “technology is meant to be a positive force, and we bear the responsibility to utilize it effectively.” He called for collective efforts to bridge disparities and allow a larger demographic to enjoy the advancements AI can provide.
Benioff echoed these sentiments, highlighting the economic prospects of AI while underscoring the crucial role of maintaining public trust. He remarked that AI’s capabilities hinge not just on vast opportunities for economic advancement, but also on the essential foundation of trust necessary for shared successes.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General and Commission Vice-Chair, emphasized the vital role of cross-sector collaboration. “No single organization can ensure that AI serves humanity’s interests alone. Achieving widespread benefits from AI will demand collective leadership and the integration of expertise from diverse sectors,” she noted.
