US and Nigeria lead AI conference in Lagos to enhance technology use

The United States and Nigeria are jointly hosting a pan-African Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference in Lagos from September 10 to 11.

The event aims to promote safe and inclusive AI adoption across the African continent.

The conference will gather a diverse group of participants, including government officials, tech industry leaders, and civil society representatives.

Their primary focus will be on discussing both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI development and its implementation.

The Lagos conference is an important step in strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations, building on a series of prior high-level meetings.

This collaboration highlights both countries' commitment to advancing technological governance in a way that ensures AI's benefits reach all sectors of society.

During the conference, participants will work together to identify and align strategies for technology governance that prioritise safety, ethical use, and equitable distribution of AI's benefits.

One of the key topics of discussion will be the responsible use of AI, particularly in areas with high stakes such as military applications.

The United States has previously encouraged African nations to adopt a collective approach to managing AI, especially in scenarios where ethical considerations are critical to preventing misuse.

This approach aims to foster cooperation across the continent in developing a framework that can guide AI's safe and responsible use.

The collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria at this conference is a testament to their shared vision of harnessing AI's potential for sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, while also ensuring it is employed in ways that promote social good and prevent harm.