Ethical Governance of AI in African Societies: A Tunisian Perspective

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have raised significant ethical concerns in African societies, particularly in Tunisia where data governance and AI implementation are nascent fields. A qualitative approach was employed, involving interviews with stakeholders including policymakers, technologists, and civil society representatives, supplemented by a review of existing policies and legal frameworks related to AI and data governance. The analysis revealed that while Tunisian institutions recognise the potential benefits of AI, there is significant skepticism regarding its ethical implications. A notable theme was the lack of clear guidelines for AI development and deployment in public sectors. Despite initial optimism, the findings indicate a need for robust regulatory frameworks to address current gaps in data protection and transparency in AI applications. The paper recommends the establishment of an independent oversight body focused on AI ethics and the integration of ethical principles into AI development policies. It also suggests enhancing public engagement through education initiatives about AI risks and benefits.