CEIAI Governance Database
Back to the database
Record STMT-W8A8079Soft law

Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence, robotics, and other new and emerging technologies in Africa

Report Institutional policyAfricadraft

This study by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights examines the human and peoples' rights implications of artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies in Africa. It presents a detailed problem statement, analyzes the relevant legal frameworks across regional treaties, and evaluates impacts on civil, political, socio-economic, and collective rights. Finally, it offers recommendations for developing a comprehensive governance framework grounded in African human rights standards.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

African Commission on Human and Peoples' RightsIntergovernmental
Lead issuer
Legal forceSoft law
Under whose authorityInstitutional policy
Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

National governmentRegulatorsPublic sector bodiesResearchers and academicsInternational community

Policymakers, human rights advocates, legal practitioners, and researchers seeking a comprehensive human rights-based approach to AI governance in Africa.

Sectors
Cross-sector · artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

What the document contains

What's covered

The document comprehensively covers the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies with human and peoples' rights in Africa. It addresses specific civil, political, socio-economic, and collective rights, examines data risks and militarized AI applications, and outlines institutional mechanisms and recommendations for regional governance.

What's missing

Binding enforcement mechanisms and finalized national implementation guidelines are absent, as this document is a draft study outlining framework recommendations rather than an adopted legislative act.

Key takeaways
  • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies present both significant developmental opportunities and profound human rights risks in Africa.
  • Most AI technologies are predominantly developed in the Global North, raising concerns about technological dependency, data colonialism, and cultural erasure.
  • The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights provides a unique legal foundation incorporating individual duties, socio-economic rights, and collective peoples' rights relevant to AI governance.
  • Robust regulatory frameworks, including potential regional model laws and framework conventions, are urgently required to close existing governance gaps.
  • AI development and deployment in Africa must actively integrate African ethical values, such as Ubuntu, alongside meaningful human control over high-risk applications.
Principles it states
Human dignityEquality and non-discriminationEquity, non-exploitation, non-domination, and self-determinationEconomic developmentPeace and security
Outline
· Part I: Introduction to the Study
· Part II: The Legal Framework
· Part III: Individual Rights: Civil and Political Rights
· Part IV: Individual Rights: Socio-Economic, Cultural Rights
· Part V: Peoples' Rights
· Part VI: Group Rights: Women, Children, Elderly, PWDs, Minorities
· Part VII: Governance Framework and Recommendations
Issued2025
Length47,096 words
FormatNot recorded
Scoperegional

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

AI developers should establish robust grievance mechanisms to address human rights violations resulting from the use of AI technologies.

6.8.3 Recommendations to AI developers

screening score · 2026-10-23

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

In the context of this study, this norm is to ensure that AI, robotics, and emerging technologies are designed and implemented in ways that do not perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases

3.2 AI and the right to non-discrimination, equality, and freedom from domination

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Any machine autonomy in the selection of human targets or the use of force should be subject to meaningful human control.

6.5 Adequacy of existing law in governance of AI

screening score · 2026-10-23

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

Governments should enact legislation, regulations, and policies that uphold human rights standards, including transparency, accountability, and redress mechanisms.

6.4.1 State obligations

screening score · 2026-10-23

Enforcement

4/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

By embedding these state international obligations into AI governance frameworks, states can ensure accountability, prevent misuse, and foster trust in the global AI ecosystem

6.4.1 State obligations

screening score · 2026-10-23

Topics

Physical AI Governancesupporting
artificial_intelligence human_rights robotics african_charter technology_governance