Victor Haruna-Francis, an IT expert, has urged the government to adopt an artificial intelligence governance framework to mitigate risks and protect human rights and privacy.

The UK-based AI governance advocate said this in an interview on Tuesday.

He said adopting the framework would allow the government to address governance issues.

According to him, artificial intelligence and data have driven economic growth and development.

Mr Haruna-Francis explained that as data and AI become integral parts of economies worldwide, the need for governance and regulation compliance becomes more important to actualise economic growth and national security.

“Despite AI’s contribution to national and global economies, its proliferation and the availability of data everywhere raise some concerns about the ethical and responsible use of AI. AI governance has to do with setting guidelines, standards and regulations to checkmate the use and deployment of artificial intelligence systems.

“Although AI technologies bring about national security and potential economic growth, they also pose a huge threat with risks that should not be overlooked, hence, the need for governance, regulation and enforcement of compliance,” Mr Haruna-Francis said.

He noted that, critically, we should not adopt technological advancements that threaten our human values and fundamental rights.

Mr Haruna-Francis said this called for prioritising responsible use, transparency, accountability and fairness in AI deployment and use.

According to him, it is expected that by 2030, individuals, businesses, and governments in Africa will be digitally enabled, according to the Digital Economy for Africa initiative of the World Bank.

“A few African nations have made attempts at developing National AI strategies, but where is the place of governance to boost economic development and guarantee national security?

“To mitigate these risks and be proactive towards addressing the governance issue, developed nations are enacting AI governance frameworks beyond just strategies, to enhance national security, human rights and privacy,” he said.

(NAN)