Africa sets AI governance agenda ahead of G20

By Mthulisi Sibanda, Contributor
Johannesburg, 10 Nov 2025
Artificial intelligence has been identified as a priority area for the G20 agenda.
Artificial intelligence has been identified as a priority area for the G20 agenda.

African civil-society leaders, policymakers and global partners are advocating for a people-centered agenda for artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

They are also campaigning for economic dignity and resilient development. This is ahead of the G20 meetings in Johannesburg, South Africa later this month.

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), an advisory organ of the 55-member African Union, recently convened a high-level dialogue ahead of the historic summit.

The session elevated priorities including democratic AI governance and equity, climate and debt justice, fair financing and value-chain participation.

Knowledge Networks, a global platform fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders and civil society to build ethical, inclusive and sustainable digital futures, led the dialogue in the ECOSOCC session in Johannesburg.

“AI is not just another technology. It is an infrastructure of power, shaping how we work, learn and govern,” said Sanjay Puri, President of Knowledge Networks.

“True safety comes when AI systems are inclusive, transparent and co-governed. Africa must be at the table shaping that future,” Puri said.

Knowledge Networks supports multi-stakeholder conversations that amplify African leadership in AI, from principles to practice.

It believes this will help surface actionable collaborations around capacity building, data equity and responsible innovation that align with the priorities voiced at the pre-G20 forum.

The G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa is scheduled for November 22 to November 23.

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