Non-Profit Urges African Nations to Establish Tailored Artificial Intelligence Regulations

The Engage Youth Africa Initiative (EYAI) has urged governments across Africa to formulate policies and regulatory blueprints for artificial intelligence (AI) that align with the continent's distinct requirements and socio-economic landscape.

Gbolahan Oyelakin, the founder of the organisation, cautioned that a failure to implement homegrown benchmarks for automated technologies could leave African nations completely reliant on overseas digital infrastructure and computational models.

He made the remarks at the 2026 Inter-School Girls in ICT Day Competition, which took place at CMS Grammar School to mark International Girls in ICT Day.

Co-ordinated by the Engage Youth Africa Initiative in tandem with the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), the event brought secondary school pupils together for instructional workshops and inventive exercises centered around artificial intelligence and electronic systems.

Oyelakin maintained that state authorities hold a vital responsibility in overseeing and setting benchmarks for AI implementation, ensuring that technical progress respects regional heritage, economic conditions, and societal structures.

He argued that AI is now a permanent global fixture, meaning African countries must proactively shape its trajectory rather than passively adopting systems engineered outside the continent.

Oyelakin observed that several facets of African life, ranging from public administration and cultural practices to financial models, already mimic Western paradigms. He warned that a similar trend could take root within the tech sector if state authorities do not step in.

Consequently, he stressed the importance of African countries engineering specific guidelines to govern how AI is integrated and utilised across their communities.

The EYAI founder further described artificial intelligence as a human-designed tool meant to optimise efficiency and augment human capabilities rather than completely replace them.

He pointed out that the younger generation is being raised in a highly digitalised environment, making it vital to introduce students to the constructive and ethical applications of AI from an early age.

Oyelakin also revealed that, as part of its long-term objectives, the non-profit intends to partner with the school to build a dedicated AI laboratory aimed at driving technological inclusion within secondary education.

"Governments have an extensive part to play regarding oversight, standardisation, and encouraging the adoption of AI. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. Regulatory bodies must establish benchmarks for its advancement and implementation, particularly within the Nigerian and broader African setting," he noted.

"The methods deployed by advanced economies could be forced upon us if local administrations fail to create frameworks governing its creation and deployment. The way an African interacts with technology differs fundamentally from a user abroad. Governments must ensure that AI corresponds with our daily lives, heritage, and financial structures," he added.

Adewumi Adeyemo, Head of Instructional Design at Tech4Dev, also addressed the gathering regarding the benefits and hazards tied to machine learning.

During his presentation, entitled "Artificial Intelligence for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future," Adeyemo outlined the application of AI across fields such as medical care, schooling, farming, and factory production.

However, he cautioned the pupils about the perils of deepfakes, online disinformation, and the reckless handling of personal data when using digital platforms.

Mark Chibizo Mbata, Programme Director at EYAI, stated that the group remains focused on equipping African youths for a marketplace heavily dictated by technical breakthroughs and digital systems.

He called for deeper cooperation between state ministries and private companies to broaden access to AI literacy and digital training initiatives for young Nigerians.

The gathering wrapped up with an inter-school tournament where pupils showcased their grasp of artificial intelligence through collaborative assignments and group presentations.