Roseline Mutare
The African Union (AU) has appointed media guru Dr. Thabani Moyo, the Regional Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), to its esteemed Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This appointment is a significant recognition of Dr. Moyo’s expertise in media and digital rights, and his dedication to promoting a safe and responsible AI ecosystem in Africa.
MISA announced on social media that Dr. Moyo will be a key member of the Working Group tasked with developing a Continental AI Strategy that aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063. This strategy aims to leverage AI for sustainable development while managing its risks to benefit African societies.
Dr. Moyo’s appointment highlights MISA’s strong collaborations with the African Union Commission, SADC, and UNESCO-ROSA. His experience as the Convener of IFEX and his work on the Media and AI Charter have prepared him to address the complex interplay between AI, media, and society.
The African Union adopted the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy in July 2024. This is an important step for the continent, which aims to use AI for development. With Dr. Moyo’s appointment, MISA is ready to help create AI policies and frameworks that support transparency, accountability, and human rights.
Dr. Moyo’s appointment to the Working Group marks a key advancement for Africa in shaping AI development and usage to benefit the continent and its people.
The appointment of Dr. Motyo is line with this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme “Reporting In The Brave New World – The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Press Freedom And The Media.” The theme highlights rapid growth and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in changing journalism, media, and press freedom.
