In the communiqué issued at the end of the 57th Plenary Session of the SADC PF, parliamentarians consider that, despite the risks associated with the adoption of AI and the fact that its irresistible force and impact are inexorably on its way, the region cannot truly afford to be left behind in relation to this technological revolution.
“SADC parliaments are encouraged to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the systems currently in use, including that of their infrastructure and skills gaps, to better enable the development of the Strategic AI Adoption Roadmap, while remaining alert to risks associated with AI,” the statement read.
SADC parliaments were further urged to implement targeted capacity development programmes for their members and staff to enhance AI knowledge, ethics awareness and practical application of AI in parliamentary processes.
In the view of parliamentarians, since the use of AI requires immense computing power and extensive data storage and advanced algorithms, traditional infrastructures may not be adequate or sufficient to accommodate such requirements.
