A new digital platform launched today in Nairobi aims to solve a persistent problem in African AI governance: scattered, hard-to-find policy documents that make tracking regulatory developments across the continent nearly impossible.
The African AI Policy Repository, created by digital governance advocate Betty W. Kyalo, centralizes official AI strategies, policy bills, and digital roadmaps from African nations into a single, searchable database.
The platform covers countries including Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa, with plans to expand coverage as more nations develop AI frameworks.
Until now, researchers, journalists, and civil society organizations faced giant barriers when trying to access AI policy documents from African governments. Documents were often buried in government websites, available only in local languages, or simply not publicly accessible at all.
“Access to policy shouldn’t be a privilege,” Kyalo stated. The repository directly tackles this transparency deficit by requiring all included documents to be official government releases, ensuring authenticity while maintaining public accessibility.
The platform features intuitive search and filtering capabilities, allowing users to sort documents by country, document type (national strategy, bill, or roadmap), and publication year. A public submission form enables contributions from across the continent, though all submissions undergo verification before inclusion.
The repository’s launch coincides with accelerating AI policy development across Africa. Multiple countries are simultaneously drafting data protection laws, national AI strategies, and broader digital governance frameworks.
This parallel development creates both opportunities for regional coordination and risks of fragmented approaches.
The centralized database enables policymakers to learn from neighboring countries’ approaches, potentially reducing duplicated efforts and promoting regional harmonization. For researchers and advocacy organizations, it provides the comprehensive oversight previously impossible due to scattered documentation.
Beyond this, the repository also serves multiple constituencies with different needs. Academic researchers gain access to primary source materials for comparative policy analysis.
Journalists can track regulatory developments across multiple countries simultaneously. Civil society organizations can monitor government commitments and hold officials accountable for implementation.
Its minimalist design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, reflecting its focus on utility rather than presentation. Users can quickly locate specific documents without going through complex interfaces or extensive marketing content.
The repository is accessible here, with document contributions accepted through this associated Google Form.
