Artificial Intelligence and Prospects: Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré Calls on Africa to Shape Its Own Digital Destiny

Sidi Tiémoko Touré, the Ivorian Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, and President of the Center for Prospective Studies (CEP), shared his vision of an Africa that shapes its own digital destiny in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Cocody, during the 3rd edition of the International Leadership and Prospective Forum (ILF 2025), held under the theme: "Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Africa’s Future in the Face of Global Challenges."

In a world undergoing rapid transformation due to innovation and technology, Africa aims to demonstrate its leadership by anticipating and building its future.

"We must be creators, innovators, and builders of a future where Africa shapes its own digital destiny," emphasized Minister Sidi Tiémoko Touré, who believes that Africa does not need to imitate but rather must innovate.

According to him, Côte d'Ivoire has firmly embraced this path under President Alassane Ouattara's vision, as the country demonstrates its ability to combine tradition and innovation, African values, and technological progress. "I am calling today for the creation of an African Alliance for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)," he told his African peers.

For Épiphanie Zoro Ballo, President of the High Authority for Good Governance (HABG) and co-founder of the CEP, the purpose of this forum is to anticipate global changes and equip Africa to face them with clarity and ambition.

Sharing her own experience with the use of AI, she believes the forum shows the way for "a proactive Africa that takes ownership of the tools of the future to build sustainable and inclusive development." For her, instead of being passive or fighting against this revolution out of fear of change, Africa must take ownership of this technology, adapting it to the continent's realities, values, and needs in order to "create an African model of Artificial Intelligence."

During the inaugural conference, Cellou Dalein Diallo, former Prime Minister of Guinea, called on African countries to develop "a collective strategy around Artificial Intelligence that includes appropriate regulation, awareness of ethical issues, and a commitment to promoting AI that is inclusive and respectful of African cultural values," in order to avoid the risks of AI colonization.

The forum, which saw the participation of many notable figures, including former Liberian President George Weah who intervened via video conference, was punctuated by panels aimed at laying the groundwork for ongoing reflection on the challenges of Artificial Intelligence. This reflection will help inform inclusive public policies and a suitable regulatory framework, enabling Africa to actively participate in the AI revolution while preserving its cultural identity.