East Africa adopts regional artificial intelligence strategy
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
East African Community ministers have approved regional strategies on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as well as basic AI instruction at university. The plan also includes a regional university network and Kiswahili certification benchmarks, according to Eye Radio.
East African Community (EAC) ministers have approved regional strategies on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as well as a biotechnology strategy. The decisions were taken at the 21st session of the Sectoral Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports, held from 27 to 31 October at the headquarters of the Inter-University Council for East Africa in Kampala, Uganda, Eye Radio reports.
The ministers recommended integrating basic artificial intelligence training into undergraduate university courses, regardless of discipline. The Inter-University Council is to develop a regional implementation framework. They also approved cooperation between universities focused on AI research, innovation and teaching.
The Council also endorsed the development of certification criteria for the use of artificial intelligence in Kiswahili and three instruments to integrate AI into teacher training. EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Arik Malueth called on ministers to set responsibilities, realistic deadlines and the resources needed to implement the decisions, according to Eye Radio.
The ministers also approved a qualifications framework for technical and vocational education and training, intended to facilitate the comparison and recognition of qualifications across member states. They also adopted the EAC Kiswahili language policy, which is to be submitted to the Council of Ministers.
