My Reflections - Ndapanda Nekongo, NamTshuwe Digital Programme Coordinator
African Commission on Human and People’s Rights
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Emerging Technologies Impact on Human and People’s Rights in Africa
Exploring the Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies on Human Rights in Africa: Kigali Consultation Recap
I recently attended a pivotal two-day consultation meeting on the intersection of human rights and technology in Kigali, Rwanda, hosted by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR). This meeting helps me explore further issues of technology and society and in this blog, I am exploring these issues.
The meeting from 30th September to 1st October, 2024, brought together key stakeholders from various countries to reflect on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and other emerging technologies on human rights across the African continent. This consultation followed up on the expert validation meeting held earlier this year in Nairobi, Kenya. I consider myself lucky to attend this meeting that highlighted important results of a study conducted in this area.
Objectives of the Consultation
The Kigali meeting was an important step in reviewing and updating the draft study on the impact of AI and emerging technologies on human rights in Africa and the consultation focused on several key objectives but amongst others were to
- Present the draft study updated following the validation workshop for the wider stakeholders of the African Commission, apart from experts in this field;
- Receive further input on the study not only from experts in the industry but also from the wider stakeholders of the African Commission;
- Discuss and identify how to take forward the issues and proposals that the study raises not only within the framework of the African Commission but also through legislative, institutional, and technical governance measures at national, continental, and international levels and
- inally, to create wider public awareness about both the study currently underway and the work of the African Commission.
Technology and Human Rights: A Focus on Africa
In his opening remarks, Hon. Commissioner Solomon Dersso of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) emphasised how technology such as AI transforms lives and raises new human rights concerns in Africa. What stood out for me in his remarks was his emphasis on the need to understand the far-reaching ramifications of these technologies, particularly in the African setting.
Plenary Reflections: Expanding the Conversation
A plenary discussion as also held on day 2 of which I was impressed by engagements from Thobekile Matibe, Head of Stakeholder Engagements at Paradigm Initiative, who called for a more inclusive approach to addressing the human rights implications of AI by involving diverse platforms and stakeholders. I found Ms Matimbe’s engagements where she advocated for expanded discussions beyond traditional forums like the African Digital Rights Forum (ACDF), suggesting new platforms like Africa’s Visualization Inclusion Forum and the EU's Africa Governance Forum could contribute to further inclusions. This, she noted, is vital for involving civil society organisations in the conversation.
Matibe also stressed the importance of enhancing government capacity to manage AI technologies and ensuring that technological advancement aligns with human rights while calling for greater accountability and standardisation in the technology sector, emphasising initiatives such as the Coalition for AI and World Bank's Benchmarking Alliance, which aim to set standards for digital accountability.
Discussion: AI's Implications for Vulnerable Groups
A critical session of the meeting focused on the rights of vulnerable groups—women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—within the context of AI and robotics. Hosted by Professor Malek Khachlouf, the session examined how emerging technologies impact group rights, with special attention to marginalised communities.
During this discussion, Mohamed Farahat of the United Nations High-Level Body on AI raised concerns about the potential for AI to infringe on human rights, particularly in terms of privacy. I was intrigued by Farahat's emphasis on how data collection, which is often done without consent, could lead to the exploitation of emotions and behaviors, presenting major risks for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and migrants. Something that Farahat said that I agree with completely is his emphasis on stronger legal frameworks that protect against AI-driven privacy violations and ensure that these technologies are used responsibly.
Building a Future of Responsible Technology
Creating outside living spaces with everything emphasised in the detail
Overall, I find the Kigali consultation very significant in addressing the human rights challenges posed by AI and other emerging technologies in Africa. Input raised by diverse experts and stakeholders underscored the importance of creating legal, institutional, and technical frameworks that align technological advancements with the protection and promotion of human rights.
As Africa continues to embrace technological innovation, the ACHPR’s study is a key document shaping for all of us to ensure that AI and related technologies are developed and deployed responsibly and inclusively even in countries like mine in Namibia. Indeed, the meeting served as a reminder that while technology holds great promise, it must always be balanced with the protection of fundamental human rights.
Moving forward
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