Africa must move beyond adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies developed elsewhere and take a more active role in deciding what is built, how it is governed and who benefits from it, Spokesperson and Press Secretary to the Vice President, Ama Pratt, has said.
She said Africa’s AI future must be shaped by African voices, knowledge, languages, communities and aspirations, stressing that the continent could not afford to remain merely a consumer of technology.
Ama Pratt made the call in her address at the 2026 edition of Nyansa Futures, a two-day conference organised by the Beyond AI Initiative at Academic City University in Accra from August 14 to 15.
The conference brought together young people, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, creatives, technologists, business leaders and civil society actors to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
Discussions covered AI governance and regulation, data sovereignty and digital rights, healthcare and agriculture, algorithmic accountability, African languages and inclusive AI, as well as youth leadership in AI governance.
Speaking on the theme, “From Adoption to Ownership: Shaping Africa’s AI Future,” she said the conversation about AI should go beyond the technology itself to include questions about ownership, governance, inclusion and the people who would be affected by its use.
Ms Pratt said true ownership of AI would require Africa to define its own problems, develop the skills to create appropriate solutions and build institutions capable of governing the technology.
“Ownership begins when we define the problem ourselves. It grows when we develop the skills to build appropriate solutions. It becomes meaningful when our institutions can govern the technology, protect citizens and ensure that its benefits are shared.”
She called for investment in reliable connectivity, computing resources, educational institutions, research capacity and local innovation.
She added that stories told about AI could influence public understanding, investment, policymaking, education and the ambitions of young people.
“This is why the story Africa tells about artificial intelligence matters. It will influence whether our young people see themselves as consumers of technology or as researchers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, storytellers and owners.”
Ama Pratt said Africa’s AI agenda must begin with the needs and experiences of its people.
She said AI had the potential to support education, agriculture, healthcare, business, research and creative expression, but could also create challenges through misinformation, privacy concerns, biased systems and the spread of fabricated content.
“AI systems can now generate articles, images, videos, voices and messages within seconds,” she said, adding that the same tools could also “produce false information at extraordinary speed.”
She therefore called for stronger public education on AI and greater responsibility from government, technology companies, universities, researchers, the media and citizens.
“Public communication about artificial intelligence must therefore be clear, accessible and honest,” she said.
She urged the media to investigate claims about AI, question exaggerated promises and help the public understand both its opportunities and risks.
She also called for greater citizen participation in decisions concerning AI, saying people should understand how systems work, what information they use and where concerns can be raised.
Ama Pratt further stressed the need for women and young people to have a strong voice in the development and governance of AI.
She said women must participate in designing systems, leading institutions, shaping policy and deciding how resources were allocated.
“If women are absent from the teams building AI systems, their experiences may be overlooked,” she said.
She noted that AI discussions must take into account the realities of women and girls, including those working in agriculture, finance, education, creative industries and public service.
She also encouraged young people to take an active role in shaping Africa’s technological future rather than waiting for permission to participate.
“You do not have to wait for permission to contribute to this future. Begin where you are,” she said.
Ama Pratt also encouraged the Beyond AI community to continue creating spaces where students, policymakers, technologists, civil society actors and other stakeholders could engage each other on the future of AI.