Morocco is represented at this two-day conclave by Ms. Latifa Akharbach, president of the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA), and outgoing president of the RIARC, and MM. Yassir Ghorbal and Mohamed Laroussi, members of the Higher Council of Audiovisual Communication.
This conference, the opening session of which took place in the presence of the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Côte d’Ivoire, Abdelmalek Kettani, members of the Ivorian government and other personalities, offers the opportunity for participants to discuss the latest news on AI regulation in the light of initiatives being implemented at regional or global level.
One of the central axes of this Conference initiated by the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA) of Côte d’Ivoire, is to achieve a regulatory framework on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the audiovisual Communication sector and digital in Africa.
The Abidjan Conference therefore offers the opportunity to debate best practices, ethical issues and strategies adapted to the regulation of AI in the context of audiovisual and digital communication in Africa, as well as the state of places of regulation of AI in Africa, to propose a regulatory framework on the regulation of AI in the audiovisual and digital communication sector on the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, the Minister of Communication, government spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, praised the efforts made by the HACA of Morocco “for having addressed with courage, realism and self-sacrifice, during his mandate at the head of ACRAN, the complex issues related to the regulation of audiovisual communication in Africa”.
Mr. Coulibaly estimated that the regulation of AI in the audiovisual communication sector constitutes a major challenge for democracies, particularly during electoral periods where “the risk to social stability is real and the manipulation and dissemination of false information can constitute the seeds of disorder, or even violence.”
The president of the HACA of Côte d’Ivoire, René Bourgoin, said that this conference is a continuation of the reflections carried out during the 10th CIRCAF organized two years ago in Morocco, around the theme “l “African audiovisual in change: lines of evolution and new challenges”.
As for the other speakers, they were unanimous in emphasizing that the Continent finds itself at the crossroads of an era marked by the growing emergence of AI, noting that this tool represents a digital revolution with profound implications, affecting various sectors of activity including digital communication.
They added that unlike the traditional mode of content production which involves significant human resources, specialized technical skills and high costs, today, the use of AI has several advantages, in terms of improving the efficiency and speed of content generation.
– What are the main challenges facing AI regulation in Africa?
Interview: Navigating the Future of AI Regulation in Africa
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Latifa Akharbach. As the president of the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication in Morocco and the outgoing president of the RIARC, your insights are invaluable, especially as you participate in the important discussions at the Abidjan Conference. To start, could you give us an overview of the key objectives of this conference?
Latifa Akharbach: Thank you for having me. The Abidjan Conference serves as a pivotal platform for discussing the regulatory landscape of Artificial Intelligence in the audiovisual communication sector across Africa. Our primary goal is to develop a robust regulatory framework that not only addresses the fast-evolving nature of AI technologies but also aligns with the unique challenges and opportunities we face here on the continent. This involves exchanging best practices and addressing ethical considerations related to AI to ensure that the advancements in this field benefit all stakeholders.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see African nations coming together to tackle such a complex issue. Can you elaborate on some of the ethical considerations that have been highlighted during the discussions?
Latifa Akharbach: Absolutely. One of the core ethical issues revolves around ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems. The rapid deployment of AI technologies raises concerns about bias, misinformation, and the potential manipulation of content. It’s crucial that we establish guidelines that ensure AI applications serve the public’s interest while protecting democratic values. Additionally, we must consider the impact of AI on creative industries and the cultural narratives that shape our societies.
Time.news Editor: Those are significant concerns. In your opinion, how can the experiences of countries with established AI regulations inform the discussions in Africa?
Latifa Akharbach: Learning from the global landscape is essential. Countries with mature AI regulatory frameworks, such as those in Europe or North America, offer valuable lessons on how to balance innovation with regulation. However, we must tailor those lessons to fit our specific contexts in Africa. Each country has its unique socio-economic conditions, and our strategies must be adaptable to local realities while fostering cooperation across the continent.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like collaboration is key. How do you see Morocco’s role in leading these discussions within Africa?
Latifa Akharbach: Morocco is strategically positioned to play a leadership role in AI regulation due to its commitment to digital innovation and inclusiveness. Our participation in initiatives like the Abidjan Conference reinforces our dedication to fostering dialog and collaboration across the continent. We aim to share our experiences and contribute to the development of a pan-African vision for AI regulation, ensuring that Africa’s voice is prominent on the global stage.
Time.news Editor: There’s a lot at stake with the regulation of AI in Africa. What do you hope to achieve by the end of this conference?
Latifa Akharbach: By the end of this two-day conclave, I hope we can draft a comprehensive framework that outlines the principles and best practices for AI regulation in our region. Moreover, it is imperative that we create an ongoing dialog mechanism among African nations to regularly review and update this framework as technologies evolve. It’s about creating a sustainable regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding our values and rights as citizens.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ms. Akharbach, for your insightful perspectives. It’s clear that the journey toward effective AI regulation in Africa will be a collaborative effort, and it’s heartening to see leaders like you advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes ethics, transparency, and inclusivity.
Latifa Akharbach: Thank you for having me. I look forward to continued discussions and advancements in this critical area as we all strive for a better future powered by responsible AI.