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.
As leaders around the world prepare to make their way to Geneva, Switzerland, we urge our extended networks to make use of these resources, not only as a tool to foster African AI agency, but as a just foundation for the Global Majority’s participation in this critical forum. Anchored in Research ICT Africa’s Just AI Framework of Inquiry, and driven by decades of evidence-based research from the continent, this Roadmap provides you with everything you need to know for the days to come, including:
Setting the Agenda
Rewriting the rules for an era of Just AI – Pria Chetty
Beyond fairness: Why justice should guide Africa’s AI future – Kola Ijasan
Charting The Process
Understanding the AI Governance Dialogue and what it means for Africans – Elizabeth Orembo
Lawyers’ Hub Linda Bonyo selected to serve as thematic chair
Advancing African Ideas
Learning from the Just AI Conference: Insights from African scholars and researchers – Sandra Makumbirofa
Shaping the Discourse
Questions Africa is asking – Elisabeth Achancho, Emmanuel Kpakpo Brown, Simbarashe Kaneunyenye, Shirley Genga
Zooming In
Architecting African Linguistic Sovereignty: A Blueprint for Global AI Governance – Chenai Chair
Reading on
Research and insights to read ahead of the Dialogue
Connecting
Research ICT Africa calendar of activities during the Dialogue
