ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Urgent Legal Framework on AI in West Africa

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the urgent development of a robust legal framework to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the sub-region. The plea was made by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, on Monday, June 30, 2025, during a delocalized meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Health, Telecommunications, and Information Technology in Dakar.

The meeting, themed “Prioritising Education Technology and Innovation in the ECOWAS Region,” underscored the imperative for West Africa to adopt new learning models and regulatory measures to meet evolving global technological demands, particularly in the realm of AI.

Represented by Second Deputy Speaker Adjaratou Coulibaly, Speaker Ibrahima expressed hope that the discussions in Dakar would lead to concrete recommendations for a community legal framework on artificial intelligence. She emphasized that digital transformation and innovation, especially within education, must be prioritized to shape the future of the sub-region, aligning with both the parliamentary mandate and the aspirations of West African citizens.

Ibrahima highlighted that while ECOWAS boasts a young, dynamic population, diverse cultures, and growing economies, it faces significant educational challenges. “Traditional models of education are being questioned. We’ve progressed, but problems remain,” she noted, citing poor infrastructure, digital inequality, and slow adoption of new technologies by some member states as major obstacles.

She posed critical questions for the participants to consider: “What happens when AI replaces teachers? How do we humanise education?” stressing the importance of building a region where every child can learn, grow, and contribute to prosperity. The Speaker urged attendees to develop concrete regional strategies that ensure inclusive digital learning and address the ethical and societal implications of rapidly advancing AI.

Also speaking at the event, Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Moustapha Guirassy, echoed the call for proactive engagement with AI. He urged Africa to transition from being mere consumers of AI to becoming creators and regulators of the technology. Guirassy detailed Senegal’s commitment, revealing significant budgetary allocations to education, with a specific focus on digital education and the integration of AI into its education reform, supported by a new tech pact and national digital strategy (2025–2029). He also mentioned that teachers are already being trained in AI basics, and sensitization modules on algorithmic systems have been introduced for secondary students.

Guirassy proposed a “West African Pact on AI use in education,” to be guided by a regional ethical charter and supported by digital resources in African languages. The meeting is expected to culminate in policy proposals that will guide the ECOWAS Parliament in fostering an inclusive digital transition, ensuring regulatory clarity, and promoting regional cooperation on AI governance.