Africa’s Plan: Pan-African Parliament’s Vision for AI, Infrastructure, and Data Protection
At the Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit in Lusaka, the call for a unified digital future in Africa was loud and clear. In a focused conversation with TechAfrica News, Hon. Behdja Lammali spoke of Africa’s ambitions, challenges, and responsibilities as the continent confronts digital transformation.
Akim Benamara, Chief Editor and Founder of TechAfrica News, engaged Hon. Lammali in a wide-ranging discussion that explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI), the urgency of energy infrastructure, and the collective political will needed to safeguard data across borders.
- 0:18AI for transport, health, rural access
- 1:37Need for data protection laws
- 2:14Energy must come first
- 2:46Summit Role in Africa’s progress
AI Must Work for All Africans
Hon. Lammali opened by affirming the transformative promise of artificial intelligence across Africa’s infrastructure and essential services.
“In my perspective, AI offers an important avenue for addressing challenges in healthcare, industry, and transportation. It could improve efficiency, accessibility, and quality—especially for Africans living in rural and remote areas. If we are united and follow a strong strategy, AI will accelerate Africa’s development.”
– Honourable Behdja Lammali, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology
A Continental Strategy for Data Protection
The summit spotlighted another cornerstone of digital development: safeguarding data. According to Lammali, discussions among delegates centred on creating harmonised legislative frameworks.
“We agreed to unify our views in order to formulate laws that protect data and work hard to develop strategy plans to protect data in our continent, Africa,” she noted.
No AI Without Energy
When asked what else Africa needs to build its industrial infrastructure, Lammali’s answer was unequivocal: energy.
“ We must boost for energy. As you know, Africa, unfortunately, lacks energy. Because without energy, we can’t go to AI,” she warned.
Her point reinforces the broader theme of the summit: digital ambitions must be grounded in basic enablers like power infrastructure.
Why the Summit Matters
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Lammali called the Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit “very important for the advancement of our continent and humanity in general.”
“What matters for us as responsible [leaders] in this continent is to do a good job… and to raise the flag of our continent,” she concluded, underscoring the role of strong leadership and unified action.
