AI regulation & global digital compact gain steam ahead of UNGA

As global leaders gear up for the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, discussions on the ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to take center stage. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Osaretin Agbonavabre, COO at bbcmgtAI LLC, shedding light on key issues facing Africa as AI is projected to boost the global GDP by nearly $20 trillion. The interview highlighted the significance of the UN resolution on AI made in March this year, emphasizing the need to address ethical concerns surrounding AI and the importance of bridging the digital divide in developing countries like Africa. Agbonavabre praised the bold step taken by the United Nations General Assembly and expressed optimism for further resolutions to be made during this year's summit themed 'The Summit of the Future.' Africa's role in shaping the future of AI was underlined, stressing the importance of policy adaptation, collaboration with international organizations and nations, and leveraging the continent's young population to drive AI development. The interview also touched on the need for African countries to set up regulatory frameworks and prioritize efforts in closing the digital gap and promoting collaboration with advanced AI nations like the United States and China. Looking ahead, Agbonavabre discussed upcoming initiatives like the African Coalition for Development and the release of a book on leveraging AI for small and medium enterprises to drive growth and innovation in Africa's AI landscape.