Ahead of the inaugural United Nations Global AI Governance Dialogue, Research ICT Africa brings together our research, policy expertise and network to help shape the conversations that will unfold in Geneva. Rather than arriving at the Dialogue simply to respond to global agendas set elsewhere, this special edition seeks to frame the discourse, surface the questions that matter, clarify the governance processes at play, and contribute evidence-based perspectives grounded in African realities and priorities.
Beginning on 6 July 2026, the Global AI Governance Dialogue marks a major milestone in international digital cooperation. Mandated by the Global Digital Compact and informed by recommendations from the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, the Dialogue aims to create a global platform for inclusive discussion on AI governance. As governments, researchers, civil society and industry convene to shape emerging governance norms, the stakes are high.
Africa enters this dialogue not merely with critical concerns, but with fresh ideas, robust evidence and valuable governance insights. Our research on digital inequality, data governance and structural exclusion has shown that meaningful AI governance cannot rest on abstract principles of fairness or responsibility alone. It must grapple with deeper questions of power, justice, sovereignty, inclusion and value distribution. These principles don’t just matter to Africa; they are essential to building AI governance that serves the public interest worldwide.
This July special edition includes the following articles and updates:
- Setting the Agenda, by Dr Pria Chetty and Dr Kola Ijasan
- Charting The Process, by Elizabeth Orembo
- Advancing African Ideas, by Sandra Makumbirofa, PhD
- Shaping the Discourse, by Dr Elisabeth Achancho, Emmanuel Kpakpo Brown, (MSc, CIMP®, BSAFE), Simbarashe Knox Kaneunyenye, Shirley Genga
- Zooming In, by Chenai Chair, Masakhane African Languages Hub
- RIA’s calendar of activities in Geneva, at the Global Dialogue, the Partnership on AI Forum, and WSIS.
See the full newsletter edition for more.
