Publication Date
11-15-2025
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (41R), propelled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), is ushering in a profound transformation across Africa's economies, governance systems, and societies. For African parliaments, there is an incredible challenge on the governance front, but the opportunities are unprecedented. This paper examines the range of biases, data insecurities, and inequalities the democracies of the continent face, while detailing how African legislatures can instate frameworks to govern and design AI function within the democracies of the continent. As seen in the examples of Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, this paper outlines the disparity between the astounding rates of technological advancements and the technological preparedness of most parliaments, most of which have no AI legislation, digital competencies and ethical frameworks in place. This work advocates for more innovation from parliaments, innovation which must be complemented by a cooperation within the continent and other inclusive policymaking processes to ensure that the democracies of Africa can benefit from the self-regulated digital economy as a continent.
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