AI News Monitor

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape global industries, African nations face both challenges and opportunities in ensuring AI safety within their own contexts. A new commentary by Grace Chege, published by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Technology Innovation, explores whether open-access AI can serve as a “great safety equalizer” for African countries.

While open-access AI—where AI models and computing resources are shared freely—has the potential to level the playing field, Chege argues that African developers still face systemic barriers. These include limited access to critical AI infrastructure such as GPUs and cloud computing, as well as exclusion from global AI safety networks. Additionally, international policies restricting access to advanced AI models often sideline African nations.

To overcome these obstacles, Chege suggests that African AI researchers strengthen regional collaborations, develop standardized evaluation practices, and position themselves as key players in AI safety research. By doing so, they could increase their influence in the global AI landscape while ensuring that AI developments align with local needs.

As AI technology advances, the discussion around equitable access and governance remains crucial. Without systemic interventions, Chege warns, African nations risk being left behind in shaping the future of AI safety.