Abstract

This article examines the challenges and policy frameworks for responsible AI in West Africa, where rapid digital growth meets limited regulatory capacity. We situate West African experiences within the global AI governance debate (OECD, UNESCO, AU) and highlight distinctive issues: sparse AI-specific laws, weak enforcement capacity, and infrastructure gaps. Through qualitative document analysis of national AI and digital strategies (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal) and relevant international guidelines, we identify governance themes: legal/policy gaps, institutional weaknesses, public-private partnerships, civil society participation, and regional cooperation. For example, Nigeria currently relies on general statutes (e.g. the 2023 Data Protection Act) to regulate AI use, while Ghana is drafting its first AI policy. We also simulate expert insights from regional reports. Our analysis finds that West Africa's AI ecosystem is "anchored" in broad visions (e.g., Ghana's "AI-powered society" by 2033) but lacks binding rules and oversight. Key challenges include scarce technical capacity and uneven stakeholder inclusion. We conclude that tailored approaches are needed: strengthening institutions, adapting international ethical principles (accountability, transparency, fairness) to local contexts, and fostering multi-stakeholder and cross-border initiatives. This paper offers actionable recommendations (capacity-building, inclusive policymaking, regional harmonization) to embed equity and local relevance in West African AI governance.