Abstract

This article examines the governance challenges and policy frameworks for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a focus on West Africa. We center on Nigeria’s emerging AI strategy and compare it to developments in Ghana and Senegal. Drawing on global benchmarks (OECD, UNESCO, AU) and African experiences, we identify key issues across five governance dimensions: legal/policy frameworks, institutional capacity, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure and capacity constraints, and regional/international cooperation. Our review finds that while Nigeria and its neighbors recognize AI’s potential for development (e.g. Nigeria’s National AI Strategy emphasizes inclusive growthfmcide.gov.ng), significant gaps remain. For example, Nigeria has no AI-specific law yet – only draft policies and reliance on general data lawswhitecase.com – and regulatory capacity is fragmented. African policymakers stress human-centric, ethical AI (echoing UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on AI Ethics) but implementation is uneven. Comparative analysis shows Ghana’s strategy explicitly balances innovation with ethicscigionline.org, and Senegal’s ambitious digital plan prioritizes data sovereignty alongside AI deploymentafrican.businessafrican.business. Common challenges include limited technical infrastructure (electricity, broadband, data centers) and skill shortagesaiconference.cipit.orgbusinessday.ng. We conclude that Nigeria (and the region) should strengthen oversight through new institutions or mandates, invest in capacity-building, engage diverse stakeholders, and harmonize policies regionally. Recommendations include crafting clear AI laws, enhancing the role of agencies like NITDA, expanding public–private AI partnerships, and leveraging AU and UN frameworks to guide equitable AI. These measures aim to ensure AI advances Nigeria’s development objectives while safeguarding fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.