Omar hilale calls for inclusive ai governance at gitex africa 2026

Thursday 09 April 2026 - 09:39

By: Dakir Madiha

Omar hilale calls for inclusive ai governance at gitex africa 2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping global power structures, Morocco’s ambassador to the United Nations Omar Hilale said during a keynote at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech, urging stronger international cooperation to prevent widening global inequalities.

Hilale framed AI as more than a technological tool, describing it as a driver of economic competitiveness, national security, and geopolitical influence. He said the global AI market, estimated at $1 trillion in 2025, could reach $5 trillion by 2033, but warned that growth remains uneven and concentrated in a small group of dominant economies.

He highlighted Africa’s limited role in this expansion, noting the continent accounts for about 2.5 percent of the global AI market and attracts only 1.5 percent of investment. He said this imbalance risks leaving African countries as consumers rather than contributors to AI systems.

Hilale pointed to gaps in governance as a major concern. He said 90 percent of United Nations member states lack specific AI regulations, while 55 percent do not have national strategies. This creates a mismatch between rapid technological development and the ability of governments to regulate it.

He said the central issue is no longer whether AI should be governed, but who defines the rules and benefits from them. Without coordinated action, he warned, control will remain with countries that dominate infrastructure, data, capital, and computing power.

Hilale referenced international efforts to address these challenges, including the adoption of the Global Digital Compact by the United Nations in 2024. He also cited new initiatives such as an international scientific panel and global dialogue on AI. However, he said these efforts remain fragmented and lack coordination.

He stressed that the divide is not only about access to technology but also about the capacity to use it effectively. Limited skills, infrastructure, and institutional frameworks continue to restrict meaningful adoption in many countries.

Hilale called for concrete cooperation mechanisms focused on training, knowledge sharing, and infrastructure financing to ensure more balanced outcomes. He said multilateral action is essential to avoid reinforcing existing global hierarchies.

He also suggested that Morocco could move beyond hosting international events by creating its own platform dedicated to artificial intelligence, driven by national expertise and supported by global partnerships.

The remarks positioned GITEX Africa as a forum not only for business and innovation but also for strategic debates over governance, standards, and control in the global AI landscape.