AI Diplomacy Gets a Home in Africa

A new initiative aims to make artificial intelligence a permanent part of diplomatic strategy across the African continent. Published in the July 2026 issue of *Science*, the proposal outlines a framework for “institutionalizing AI diplomacy.” This means creating formal government bodies and policies specifically designed to manage international negotiations and cooperation on AI. The goal is to help African nations address challenges like data sovereignty, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide. By embedding AI expertise directly into foreign policy, the plan seeks to give the continent a stronger, more unified voice in global tech governance.