"The future of AI in Africa can’t sidestep the need to build an African AI, by Africa and for Africa. The AI we want must be ethical, responsible, and adapted to our realities,” Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita stressed in a speech delivered via videoconference to the AU-PSC Ministerial Meeting, which Morocco holds chairmanship for March, on "Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa."

In this context, the Minister, who chairs this ministerial Meeting, called for mobilization and collective action to make AI a true lever for development, peace, and security for Africans.

Aware of this reality, Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is committed to contributing to Africa's boom in the field of AI, MFA Bourita stated, reaffirming the Kingdom's strong and dynamic commitment to the emergence of a united African leadership in AI.

Highlighting the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the African continent, the Minister pointed out that while AI is a tool for development and progress for humanity, it is also a double-edged sword because, if misused, it could worsen divisions, fuel instability, and serve as a tool for the most destructive non-state actors.

The figures are telling: a 900% surge in deepfake videos since 2019, a 300% rise in AI-driven cyberattacks between 2019 and 2022, and 40% of terrorist groups have already used autonomous drones in their attacks. Additionally, 47 countries were affected by disinformation campaigns in 2023, directly impacting their democratic processes.

In the face of these challenges, MFA Bourita underscored the need for Africa to position itself as a key player in the global governance of AI.

The Minister also reminded that AI not only involves security and stability challenges, but is also an astounding driver of economic growth. By 2030, AI is expected to inject $15.7 trillion into the global economy, increase agricultural production by 10 to 15%, and accelerate the growth rate of certain countries by 40%, he pointed out.

However, MFA Bourita noted that Africa must overcome structural gaps to fully harness AI's potential, adding that 60% of Africa's population currently still lacks internet access, less than 2% of the data used in AI is sourced from Africa, and only 1% of the global AI talent is based in Africa.

To address this, Morocco suggested a series of concrete measures, including the creation of an African AI Fund, the establishment of a pan-African strategy for data collection and valorization, and the launch of a massive training program to build an African elite in AI.

MFA Bourita also recalled that the Kingdom, a pioneer in AI on the continent, has already taken significant initiatives: the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy aiming to train 100,000 talents annually, the launch, two weeks ago, of a national program to introduce children to AI, and the establishment of the first African UNESCO AI center, "Ai Movement," based in Rabat.

On the international front, Morocco has also played a key role in the adoption of the first UN resolutions on AI and co-founded the Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, which brings together over 70 countries, he stated.

In his speech, MFA Bourita also called for coordinated and concrete African action, stressing that "inaction is our common enemy."

In this regard, the Kingdom has put forward the institutionalization of a network of African national AI centers and the establishment of a panel of African experts to support the implementation of the continental strategy.

Finally, MFA Bourita reaffirmed Morocco's willingness to work hand in hand with its African partners to make AI a tool for development and stability.

"Africa must believe in its ability to take its destiny into its own hands," Bourita said, quoting His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The Minister concluded by stating that "AI will not wait for us to be ready. It is already here, reshaping power dynamics. The choice is simple: either we unite to master this transformation, or we will suffer the consequences."