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New World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization offers African countries opportunities to strengthen AI governance, technical expertise, innovation and strategic partnerships with China and the Global South
TICON Africa Endorses New Global AI Cooperation Platform
The Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) has welcomed the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), describing it as a significant opportunity for African countries to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, deepen international cooperation and accelerate digital transformation across the continent.
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According to TICON Africa, the new global organization provides Africa with an important platform to access AI expertise, technical assistance, governance frameworks and strategic partnerships that can help bridge the continent’s widening AI skills and innovation gap.
The endorsement comes as governments across Africa increasingly position artificial intelligence as a strategic driver of economic growth, industrialisation, digital public services and global competitiveness.
WAICO Established to Promote Responsible Global AI Development
WAICO was established by representatives from 29 countries, including China, Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan and Indonesia, with the objective of promoting the safe, fair and orderly development of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
The independent intergovernmental organization will operate in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits and a people-centred approach to AI governance.
Its mandate includes promoting:
- International cooperation on AI governance
- Capacity building and technical assistance
- AI research and innovation
- Policy dialogue
- Responsible AI deployment
- Support for developing countries and the Global South
Africa Can Close Its AI Capability Gap
President of TICON Africa, David Gowu, said the emergence of WAICO comes at a critical period when African nations are seeking practical pathways to build indigenous AI capacity rather than remaining consumers of technologies developed elsewhere.
“As a Pan-African nonprofit organization that unites technology professionals, drives digital skills development and promotes ICT practice standards across the continent, we believe Africa can benefit immensely from increased technical cooperation with other developing countries,” Gowu said.
He noted that WAICO’s commitment to helping developing economies build AI innovation, governance and technical capabilities aligns closely with TICON Africa’s mission of strengthening Africa’s digital ecosystem.
According to him, the organization offers African governments an opportunity to access global expertise while developing local AI talent capable of solving uniquely African challenges.
Strategic Opportunity for African Governments
TICON Africa believes WAICO could become an important institutional partner for African governments seeking to formulate AI policies, strengthen regulatory frameworks and improve national digital competitiveness.
Rather than relying solely on AI standards developed outside the continent, African countries can actively participate in shaping international AI governance while ensuring local priorities, cultures and development realities are adequately represented.
The organization argues that stronger participation in global AI policy discussions will help African nations develop balanced regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting citizens and promoting ethical AI deployment.
Growing African Participation
Several African countries have already joined WAICO, including:
- Algeria
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Zambia
Their participation reflects growing recognition that international collaboration will be essential as AI increasingly influences economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity and public administration.
China-Africa Cooperation Creates New AI Opportunities
TICON Africa also highlighted the growing strategic relationship between China and Africa as an important backdrop for the new AI cooperation framework.
China recently expanded zero-tariff access to exports from all 53 African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing, extending duty-free treatment across all tariff lines to strengthen trade, industrialisation and economic cooperation.
The policy builds upon previous trade preferences granted to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), extending similar benefits to additional African economies including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Morocco.
According to TICON Africa, expanding AI cooperation alongside broader economic partnerships could help African countries access advanced technologies, research collaboration and investment needed to accelerate digital transformation.
AI Governance Requires Global Collaboration
Gowu observed that the establishment of WAICO reflects growing international consensus that artificial intelligence cannot be effectively governed through isolated national approaches alone.
Instead, he advocated stronger international coordination supported by effective regional and national governance frameworks capable of addressing common challenges relating to ethics, privacy, standards, cybersecurity and responsible AI deployment.
“The organization opens a door for developing countries to access AI expertise, technical assistance and international partnerships at a time when governments are increasingly looking to AI to grow their economies and improve public services,” he said.
He added that Africa must seize the opportunity to become an active contributor to emerging AI standards rather than merely adopting policies developed elsewhere.
Implications for Africa’s Digital Economy
Industry analysts say the creation of WAICO could have significant long-term implications for Africa’s digital future.
Potential benefits include:
- Expanded AI research collaborations
- Greater access to technical expertise and skills development
- Stronger AI governance frameworks
- Increased investment in AI innovation ecosystems
- Improved participation in international AI standard-setting
- Enhanced digital public services through responsible AI adoption
- Greater competitiveness for African startups and technology companies
- Improved regional cooperation on emerging technologies
If effectively leveraged, WAICO could help position African countries as active contributors to the evolving global AI ecosystem while supporting inclusive and sustainable digital development across the continent.
Africa must strengthen participation in global AI governance
As artificial intelligence increasingly reshapes economies, industries and public institutions worldwide, TICON Africa believes Africa must strengthen its participation in global AI governance while investing in local talent, innovation and regulatory capacity.
According to Gowu, collaboration through platforms such as WAICO offers African governments, academia, industry and technology professionals an opportunity to influence the future direction of AI and ensure that emerging technologies contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
