Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 73 | Page 11

NEWS

Egypt hosts second meeting of African AI Working Group

Other objectives include addressing the various challenges that the continent is facing on that front , ensuring the governance of AI , the protection and availability of data and developing AI regulations that might be a good starting point for such a stance .

Egypt has hosted the second meeting of the African AI Working Group at Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace in Cairo .

The country was represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ( MCIT ) at the Working Group which is aimed at crafting an African AI strategy , creating a common stance in AI areas and playing an active role in AI-related discussions on the global level .
This common stance of African countries will reflect their needs and aspirations and ensure that the African voice is heard across international forums .
Having common stances related to AI will serve the African Agenda 2063 to have a long-term roadmap towards a continent that is peaceful , integrated , peoplecentred and prosperous , with milestones and strategies to achieve this vision in the shortest time .
The Working Group ’ s first consultative meeting was held in Cairo in December 2019 . In February 2021 , the first meeting was organised online . The major outcome of those meetings was the issuance of the Common Africa Position Paper on the Priority Areas of Africa towards AI .

USTDA and Poa Internet partner to expand Internet access in Africa

The US Trade and Development Agency

( USTDA ) has awarded a grant to Nairobibased Internet service provider Poa Internet Kenya for a feasibility study to help expand affordable Internet connectivity to one million households in low-income urban areas outside of Kenya .
The grant agreement was signed in a ceremony held at the US-Africa Leaders Summit .
Poa Internet ’ s expansion outside of Kenya . The study will then provide a detailed market analysis for these markets , including a supply and demand assessment , regulatory and legal analysis , an environmental and social impact assessment and go-to- market recommendations .
Andy Halsall , CEO , Poa Internet , added : “ We are delighted to form this partnership with USTDA as we continue with our journey to bring affordable Internet access to Africa . This grant from USTDA will support our geographic expansion and goals of advancing inclusive , secure and sustainable connectivity to lowerincome urban communities .”
“ Poa Internet ’ s use of fixed wireless technology is particularly well suited to urban areas . It is also a segment in which US companies are particularly competitive ,” said Enoh T . Ebong , USTDA ’ s Director . “ Our partnership will help increase access to affordable Internet and contribute to the vibrant economy of Africa ’ s cities .”
The USTDA-funded study will include a market assessment of 14 African countries and recommend three target markets for
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