Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology have attracted particular attention among African policymakers in recent years for their potential to contribute to economic development, drive regional connectivity, and support of multilateral initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Africa 2063 agenda. The rapid advancement and adoption of these emerging technologies have been met with new policy approaches and governmental frameworks to guide responsible innovation. Crucially, because the uses and impacts of both AI and blockchain are inherently cross-border, international standards are playing an important role in informing domestic policy and driving consistency across countries.

The 2023 edition of the OECD Blockchain Policy Forum zeroes in on AI and blockchain innovation in Africa. It connects policymakers from across the continent with the latest international analysis and key policy developments to support domestic and regional responses that guide responsible innovation within these two technologies while mitigating key risks. The Forum’s first day focuses on general technology-level governance, aimed at officials from across governmental and regulatory bodies, with the second day focusing on financial market issues specifically, most relevant for economy and finance ministries, central banks, and financial regulatory, taxation and law enforcement agencies. 

The African AI and Blockchain Policy Forum is held in co-operation between the OECD Blockchain Policy Forum and the Regional Centre of Excellence Mauritius. 

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Background note: Blockchain adoption in Africa: Trends in market activity and policy development