In the first quarter of 2026, four African countries have advanced significant AI governance instruments. South Africa’s Cabinet approved a Draft National AI Policy for public comment on 2 April. Kenya’s AI Bill, 2026, is currently before the Senate, alongside ongoing policy development processes. Zimbabwe launched its National AI Strategy (2026–2030) in March, and Mauritius officially launched its AI Strategy on 9 April. Together, these developments mark a concentrated period of policy activity on the continent, with each reflecting distinct regulatory approaches and national ambitions.
Research ICT Africa (RIA) is convening a four-part webinar series to engage these developments through a comparative lens. Grounded in a Just AI Framework of Inquiry, each session will explore national priorities, interrogate governance models, and assess how these instruments align with, or depart from, emerging regional and global trends. The series is designed as a space for rigorous discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and multistakeholder exchange, combining brief inputs from RIA and invited discussants with open dialogue among participants.
Across the series, insights will be drawn together to build a continental perspective, including how these national instruments relate to the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy. The series will also support ongoing engagement with these policy processes.
Programme:
24 April 2026 | SA National AI Policy
12:00-13:15 SAST, REGISTER HERE
The Cabinet-approved draft policy was released for public comment (April–June 2026), marking a transition from framework to formal policy development. The process is now in a consultative phase, with revisions expected before final Cabinet approval and phased implementation.
30 April 2026 | Kenya AI Bill (2026)
12:00-13:15 SAST, REGISTER HERE
Advancing from strategy to legislation, the Kenya AI Bill is currently before the Senate. This signals a move toward formalising governance through law, building on prior strategic and policy groundwork. Read our analysis of the Kenya AI Bill through the lens of our Just AI Framework of Inquiry.
8 May 2026 | Mauritius National AI Strategy and FAIR Guidelines
12:00-13:15 SAST, REGISTER HERE
The National AI Strategy has been formally launched, positioning the country at the start of implementation. The emphasis is on translating strategic intent into programmes, institutions, and regulatory measures. Read our analysis of the Mauritius National AI Strategy through the lens of our Just AI Framework of Inquiry.
14 May 2026 | Zimbabwe National AI Strategy (2026-2030)
12:00-13:15 SAST, REGISTER HERE
The National AI Strategy (2026–2030) has been officially launched, placing the country in an early implementation phase. The focus now shifts from strategy-setting to the operationalisation and execution of priority areas.