CAIRO, March 20 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Thursday described artificial intelligence as one of the most prominent emerging technologies in recent years, playing a crucial role in enhancing social and economic development in Africa.

It can help attract investment, create job opportunities, bridge digital gaps, and ensure sustainable growth for Africa, Abdelatty added during his virtual participation in a ministerial meeting of the African Peace and Security Council on “Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications for Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.”

“AI offers significant opportunities to address ongoing challenges related to conflict resolution, humanitarian response, mediation, and governance. It enables innovative methods for conflict analysis, enhances early warning systems, and supports peace-making efforts, mediation, and the development of conflict management strategies that align with the evolving nature of existing conflicts,” the top diplomat said.

AI also provides tools for monitoring ceasefires, identifying safe routes for civilians, and ensuring the swift and effective distribution of aid, he added.

However, Abdelatty warned about threats posed by artificial intelligence to peace and security in Africa, including the spread of misinformation, cyberattacks, and hate speech targeting marginalized groups.

He stressed the need for concrete steps in AI governance and capacity-building to keep pace with the rapid advancement of this technology.

Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s approach, which includes launching a national strategy for the responsible use of artificial intelligence and actively participating in formulating the continental AI strategy. (MENA)

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