Artificial intelligence: Senegal among the 29 founding states of WAICO

Senegal continues its offensive in the digital field. The country has officially joined the circle of 29 founding states of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) , a new intergovernmental organization dedicated to international cooperation and governance of artificial intelligence.

The agreement establishing this body was signed on July 16 in Shanghai (China) by the Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Samba Diouf , during a ceremony marking the official launch of the organization, whose headquarters will be established in the Chinese metropolis.

Through this membership, Senegal demonstrates its ambition to take a place in major international discussions on the future of artificial intelligence, which has become a strategic issue for states in terms of innovation, competitiveness and digital sovereignty.

WAICO was created to support countries facing the challenges related to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Its mission is to foster stronger international cooperation to promote responsible, ethical, and human-centered AI.

The organization also intends to develop common cooperation frameworks, reduce inequalities in access to digital technologies, support knowledge sharing and put in place mechanisms to prevent risks related to the use of artificial intelligence systems.

For Senegal, this membership represents a new milestone in its digital transformation strategy. By joining this platform from its inception, Dakar intends to have a significant impact on debates concerning international AI standards, while strengthening its technical and institutional partnerships with other member states.

This initiative is part of the authorities' desire to make digital technology a lever for economic development, modernization of the administration, job creation and strengthening of the country's technological sovereignty.