Arrival of Guests and Registration

Sign in at the registration desk.

Welcome Remarks and Overview of the Conference - COSAA

Opening remarks by the conference organizers.

Keynote Address: The Future of AI Governance in Africa

A keynote address on the future of AI governance in Africa.

Panel Session: Charting the Path: Understanding the Kenya National AI Strategy

The Kenya National AI Strategy positions the nation at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence to drive sustainable development and innovation. Amidst Africa's unique landscape, characterized by distinct opportunities and significant challenges, this strategy emphasizes the importance of aligning AI initiatives with Kenya's local priorities and developmental goals. Key considerations include enhancing local infrastructure, building capacity, and equipping the workforce with necessary skills to navigate the AI landscape effectively. In this panel session, experts involved in drafting the Strategy will facilitate an insightful discussion, addressing key questions and exploring the implications of Kenya's AI advancements.

Coffee Break

Panel Discussion: Contextualizing AI Regulatory Approaches in Africa

As AI adoption accelerates across Africa, regulatory frameworks must evolve to ensure ethical, inclusive, and contextually relevant governance. This panel brings together experts in AI ethics, technology policy, and AI governance to explore key regulatory challenges and opportunities. Their insights will focus on balancing innovation with rights protection, addressing accountability in AI-driven decision-making, and navigating regional and international regulatory influences. The discussion will also examine the role of governments, industry, and civil society in shaping adaptive, context-aware AI policies that foster responsible development while safeguarding public interest.

Lunch Break

Panel Discussion: Data Governance in Shaping the AI Regulatory Landscape in Africa

Effective AI regulation in Africa begins with robust data governance. This panel will bring together experts in AI governance, privacy, and technology policy to discuss how data policies, access frameworks, localisation strategies, and data ethics influence AI development and deployment across the continent. The panel will examine the balance between innovation and data protection, the role of national and regional data laws in shaping AI regulation, and the need for inclusive governance models that reflect Africa’s unique socioeconomic and technological landscape. The session will also explore challenges in cross-border data flows, equitable data access, and aligning AI policies with global standards while prioritizing Africa’s development needs.

CIPIT Research Showcase

Showcase of AI-relevant dashboards and case studies on AI regulation.

Recap and Closing Remarks

Dinner and Networking

Keynote: AI and Innovation - Shaping the Innovation Landscape in Africa

A keynote address on AI's role in driving innovation in Africa.

Keynote Address: AI and Intellectual Property - Protecting Innovation in Africa

A keynote address on the intersection of AI and intellectual property in Africa.

AI Practitioners on Responsible AI - AI Perception and Operationalization

Practitioners discuss the perception and operationalization of responsible AI in Africa.

Coffee Break

Roundtable: Fostering Local AI Innovation through Intellectual Property Laws

Intellectual property (IP) frameworks play a pivotal role in shaping AI innovation and ownership in Africa. This roundtable will bring together AI policy, law, innovation, and IP experts to examine how existing IP laws influence the development, protection, and commercialization of locally developed AI solutions. Discussions will highlight the opportunities and challenges encountered in advancing AI across various IP jurisdictions, with panelists sharing experiences of how current IP frameworks affect AI research, development, and commercialization in their regions. Through this discussion, participants will gain insight into how local contexts shape AI innovation and collaborate on strategies to foster a thriving AI ecosystem throughout the continent.

Lunch Break

Expert Talk: Collective Response to Morning Sessions

A summary and response to the key discussions from the morning sessions.

Video Presentation

A special video presentation.

Roundtable: Fair by Design - Ethics and Representation in AI

As AI continues to shape societies, ensuring equity and inclusion in its governance is essential for sustainable and just development. This roundtable will bring together AI ethics, policy, and governance experts to discuss strategies for embedding fairness, accessibility, and representation in AI regulatory frameworks across Africa. Panelists will explore challenges related to algorithmic bias, digital access, the protection of marginalized communities, and the role of public participation in AI policymaking. The discussion will highlight the importance of inclusive governance models that prioritize African contexts, ensuring that AI serves all communities equitably and responsibly.

Closing Ceremony

Closing remarks and reflections on the conference.

Launch of the EA Policy Hub

Official launch of the East Africa Policy Hub.

Cocktail and Networking