Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) is finalising a Model Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to serve as a benchmark for national legislation by member states.
The resolution was made during the 57th SADC PF Plenary Assembly, where legislators emphasised the urgent need for strategic planning, capacity building, and infrastructure development to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks.
SADC member states have been further called upon to embrace AI as a transformative tool for economic growth, governance and regional development.
Speaking soon after the SADC PF symposium held in Victoria Falls, the forum’s president and Speaker of Parliament in Madagascar, Justin Tokley, said the adoption of AI is inevitable and the region cannot afford to lag behind in this technological revolution.
“Parliaments were tasked with creating a conducive legal environment for AI adoption while safeguarding national security and user privacy.
“This includes enacting laws that promote innovation while addressing ethical concerns. The SADC PF is set to finalise a Model Law on AI to serve as a benchmark for national legislation, ensuring harmonised standards across the region,” he said, adding that member states were encouraged to collaborate through the SADC Secretariat.
