HomePlaybook

The Interstate AI Policy Playbook

April 2024•Equiano Institute

Africa’s AI diffusion and policy requires adaptive governance systems that enable active participation in shaping AI development.

Motivation

This playbook provides operational frameworks—from policy accelerators and compute zones to coordinated research labs and talent programs—that transform aspirational continental strategies into implementable interventions with measurable timelines and realistic resource requirements.

FOUNDATION

Infrastructure Capacity

Foundational Systems & Resilience

Establishing the material and institutional prerequisites for AI development through compute, talent, ethics, and preparedness.

Learn More

Key Initiatives

NSCZ Program

National Sustainable Compute Zones

STARS Program

Structural Transformation of AI and Rural Spaces

ELSI Program

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications

PART Program

Preparedness, Adaptation, Resilience

INNOVATION

Regional Capacity

Coordinated Innovation Ecosystems

Creating infrastructure for innovation that leverages regional coordination, diversity, and specialized labs.

Learn More

Key Initiatives

A-Labs

Applied Innovation Zones

B-Labs

Basic Research for Moonshots

C-Labs

Cross-National Consortia

D-Labs

Diffusion, Monitoring, Field-Testing & Evaluation

GOVERNANCE

Policy Capacity

Adaptive Governance Frameworks

Transforming institutions from reactive regulation to adaptive learning systems through rapid-cycle mechanisms.

Learn More

Key Initiatives

Policy Accelerators

Fast-cycle testing units

Policy Fellowships

Technical expert secondments

Policy Islands(SIDS)

Small Island Developing States partnerships

Policy Industralisation

Active market creation tools

Related Resources

Implementation Roadmap

A phased approach to building sustainable AI capacity, from foundational governance to continental leadership.

1
1

Foundation

  • Assess current state
  • Establish governance
  • Build consensus
2
2

Development

  • Launch pilot programs
  • Build infrastructure
  • Create frameworks
3
3

Scaling

  • Expand nationally
  • Foster collaboration
  • Build ecosystems
4
4

Maturity

  • Self-sustaining innovation
  • Lead regional initiatives
  • Global governance

About

Developed by Jonas Kgomo at the Equiano Institute—an AI research lab focused on responsible AI adoption in Africa.

"When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion."

— Ethiopian Proverb

Contact us for more information