Paris, France — On Monday, 12th May 2025, the OECD Auditorium in Paris became a platform for a crucial dialogue on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Africa, Europe, and multilateral settings. The session, titled “Opportunities and Challenges of AI: African, European and Multilateral Perspectives,” featured prominent speakers, including H.E. Prof. Peter Ngure, Kenya’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Ambassador Ngure’s intervention addressed the pressing question: “For a country like Kenya, what are the main opportunities offered by AI, and what are the main challenges to deal with – for example, in terms of integrity of data and labour conditions?”
Highlighting Kenya’s robust digital economy, Prof. Ngure referenced the country’s global acclaim for pioneering digital solutions such as M-PESA, a mobile money platform that has redefined financial inclusion. “Kenya has proven that innovative digital solutions can be rapidly adopted and scaled, transforming entire sectors and lifting millions out of poverty,” he noted.
However, as AI systems continue to permeate various sectors, challenges remain. Prof. Ngure emphasized the importance of data integrity, noting that while AI presents enormous opportunities for economic development, ensuring data accuracy and privacy must remain a top priority. He also raised concerns about labour market disruptions, stressing the need to balance technological advancement with workforce protection.
“AI is not just about algorithms and automation. It’s about people,” he stated. “In Kenya, we must address potential disruptions in labour markets while ensuring that AI-driven growth is inclusive and equitable.”
Prof. Ngure also underscored the role of multilateral partnerships in building AI frameworks that are ethical, inclusive, and reflective of Africa’s unique context. “Kenya is committed to being at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, advocating for frameworks that uphold data integrity, labour rights, and ethical AI use.”
The session at the OECD provided a platform for Kenya to share its insights and engage in dialogue with global stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to shaping AI policies that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible.
