SADC PF to formulate Model AI law

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 on to embrace AI as a transformative tool for economic growth, governance, and regional development. Speaking soon after the SADC PF symposium that was 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. He said member states were encouraged to collaborate through the SADC Secretariat to develop a regional legal and regulatory framework for responsible AI use, fostering cross-border cooperation.

“Given the foregoing, the 57th SADC PF Plenary Assembly resolved that AI adoption is inevitable and should be embraced. Notwithstanding the risks associated with the adoption of AI, its revolution is rapidly moving forward, and the SADC region cannot afford to be left behind in this revolution. SADC member states are encouraged to embrace AI as the benefits far outweigh the pitfalls,” he said.

The plenary assembly outlined a comprehensive roadmap for AI integration across the SADC region, focusing on eight critical areas. SADC parliaments were urged to conduct thorough evaluations of existing systems, including infrastructure and skills gaps, to develop a strategic roadmap for AI adoption. The assessment must also identify potential risks to ensure responsible implementation.

“Recognising the knowledge gap in AI, the symposium has targeted capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and staff to enhance AI literacy, ethical awareness, and practical application in legislative processes.

“The symposium also resolved that AI requires immense computing power, vast data storage, and advanced algorithms — capabilities that traditional infrastructure may lack. As such, the SADC PF urged member states to mobilise domestic resources and foster public-private partnerships to modernise digital infrastructure,” he said.

The forum emphasised the need for equitable AI deployment, ensuring that marginalised communities and rural areas are not excluded. As the host of the 57th Plenary Assembly, Zimbabwe received commendation for its commitment to advancing AI discourse.

“We want to express profound appreciation to the Government and Parliament of Zimbabwe for successfully hosting the Symposium. We commend parliaments for graciously sharing their country contexts, thus enriching the deliberations of the 57th Plenary Assembly,” he said.

Meanwhile, experts argued during the symposium that AI presents immense opportunities for SADC nations, from enhancing agricultural productivity through precision farming to improving public service delivery via smart governance systems. However, without deliberate policy interventions, the region risks exacerbating existing inequalities.

Mr Tokley said the SADC PF’s resolutions provide a clear pathway for member states to navigate the AI revolution. “By prioritising infrastructure, skills development, and inclusive policies, the region can position itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy,” he said.
— @nyeve14