Africa Must Shape Global AI, Internet Governance Policies – Sam George
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on African countries to take a more active role in shaping global internet governance and artificial intelligence (AI) policies to ensure the continent's interests are reflected in decisions about the digital future.
He said Africa must move beyond being a consumer of technologies and policies developed elsewhere and become an active participant in setting global digital standards.
Hon. Sam George made the call on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the 2026 African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG), held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT in Accra.
Sam George, who is an alumnus of the 2023 AfriSIG programme held in Abuja, Nigeria, said Africa's growing youthful population presented a significant opportunity for the continent to influence the future of the internet.
He stressed the need for stronger African representation in international internet governance institutions and decision-making processes, arguing that the continent must have a voice in policies and standards that will shape its digital development.
On artificial intelligence, Mr George cautioned that systems developed without adequate African data, languages and perspectives risk misrepresenting the continent and deepening existing inequalities.
He called for increased investment in digital skills, computing capacity, data infrastructure and local innovation, supported by strong data protection and accountability frameworks.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of a united African position in global digital policy discussions, particularly at platforms such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other international standard-setting institutions.
As Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT, he reaffirmed his commitment to championing the continent's interests in these engagements.
Sam George further highlighted Ghana's efforts to build digital capacity through initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip young people with relevant skills to participate in the digital economy.
Addressing graduates of AfriSIG 2026, he urged them to apply the knowledge acquired to influence digital policies, strengthen regulation and promote inclusive internet governance in their respective countries.
He encouraged the graduates to take up leadership roles in shaping Africa's digital future rather than leaving decisions about the continent's technological development entirely to external actors.
The minister also commended the programme's convenors and partners for their contribution to building internet governance capacity across Africa.
He congratulated the graduates and reminded them of their responsibility to help shape a digital future that reflects the needs, aspirations and interests of all Africans.
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