Supporting the Implementation of the UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of AI

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence calls on countries to implement two key tools one of which is the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). This tool helps governments and stakeholders evaluate national frameworks, competencies, and capacities for ethical AI development and use. It also identifies policy gaps and provides tailored recommendations for action.

UNESCO appointed the African Observatory on Responsible AI to lead the RAM process in Southern and Eastern Africa. The project covers nine countries: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Through a participatory and consultative approach, the Observatory has worked with ministries, policymakers, and local experts to develop RAMs for each country. These assessments highlight readiness levels, map institutional gaps, and lay out concrete roadmaps for implementing ethical and rights-respecting AI.

To date, RAMs for four countries have been completed, with Kenya and South Africa’s assessments already publicly available. This regional initiative is a major step forward in aligning African AI governance with global ethical standards while remaining grounded in local contexts.