Promoting global cooperation and expanding African participation in AI supervision
On 31 March 2026, an information session on the Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities (GNAIS) held in Libreville, Gabon, bringing together key supervisory stakeholders from Gabon to advance dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and international cooperation.
Organised at the Maison des Nations Unies, the session is part of UNESCO’s broader efforts to expand GNAIS membership across all regions and to strengthen the visibility and engagement of the network in Africa and beyond.
The Libreville session introduced Gabonese authorities to the network’s mission, governance structure and key areas of work, while highlighting national and international challenges related to AI regulation. Discussions also focused on concrete opportunities for engagement, encouraging institutions to participate in global efforts to advance responsible AI oversight.
Participants, including representatives from ministries, regulatory authorities, research institutions, civil society, and academia, engaged in a constructive exchange on how GNAIS can be leveraged to strengthen national capacities and foster cross-border cooperation. The session also highlighted the importance of increasing African representation within GNAIS to ensure that regional perspectives are effectively reflected in global governance discussions.
If Gabon joins this network, it will not only be the first French-speaking African country to do so, but more importantly, the first in the subregion to join, which will further cement its leadership role in standardising and formalising all matters related to artificial intelligence within the subregion.
Stéphane NZE-NGUEMA, Chargé du Programme Sciences Humaines et Sociales, Bureau de l’UNESCO à Libreville
Gabon was one of the first countries in Africa to implement UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in 2024. The Gabon RAM recommendations have helped guide the country’s AI efforts in a practical way, structuring the development of its national strategy (under development) and supporting concrete steps such as the establishment of a national technical committee on AI, demonstrating clear ownership of the process and a hands-on approach to building an inclusive and context-driven AI governance framework.
Launched at the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok in June 2025, GNAIS is a global platform designed to strengthen national capacities for AI governance, oversight and regulation. It promotes peer-to-peer learning, supports the exchange of experiences, and fosters international cooperation among competent authorities.
The network brings together institutions with mandates related to AI regulation, data protection, digital governance, cybersecurity and innovation oversight. It offers a structured space for collaboration, as well as access to specialised resources for policymakers and supervisors. Participation in GNAIS also enables countries to better reflect their regional priorities and institutional realities in global discussions on AI supervision.
GNAIS is led by UNESCO, and the initiative’s mission is to engage with organizations already working on AI in various countries. Above all, it aims to ensure that AI ethics are upheld across different platforms, etc.
Melba Orlie Nzang Meyo ,Presidente du comite scientifique Gabonais de recherche sur l’IA - CSGR IA
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the development of effective and inclusive governance frameworks has become a priority for governments worldwide. In this context, GNAIS serves as a strategic platform to support coordination, capacity-building and the gradual convergence of regulatory approaches.
This initiative contributes to the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by supporting Member States in strengthening institutional capacities for AI oversight and fostering international cooperation