By Ellen Hambuba
Zambia has become one of the founding members of the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization -WAICO, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science BRILLIANT HABEENZU signed the agreement establishing the new intergovernmental organisation on behalf of the Zambian Government in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, 16th July.
Launched by the Chinese Government, WAICO aims to promote international cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence while ensuring AI technologies are developed in a safe, fair and inclusive manner.
The organisation also seeks to narrow the AI gap by supporting developing countries, particularly those in the Global South, to benefit from emerging technologies.
The signing ceremony was attended by United Nations Secretary-General ANTONIO GUTERRES.
China’s Foreign Minister WANG YI signed the agreement first on behalf of the host country, with Zambia joining 28 other countries from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America as founding members.
Government says Zambia’s membership aligns with the country’s national priorities on artificial intelligence and builds on the adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy under President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s administration.
Meanwhile, Chinese President XI JINPING has pledged 5,000 artificial intelligence training and seminar opportunities for developing countries over the next five years.
