System Update - Episode 4: When AI Ethics Come First

What is the role of civil society, governments, startups, and technology developers in shaping responsible AI governance, particularly within the African context? A central theme of this debate is the gap between policy and implementation. While many countries are beginning to introduce legal frameworks and strategies for AI governance, enforcement remains a significant challenge: stronger institutions and greater public engagement are necessary to translate ethical principles into real-world protections. This also comes with a practical definition of AI ethics: the safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and values that guide how AI systems are designed, deployed, and governed. In this episode we are joined by Mapalo Lukashi is Head of AI Lab and Data and Artificial Intelligence Lead at BongoHive - Zambia's first and leading technology and innovation hub. Mapalo works at the cutting edge of AI development and application on the continent, bringing a grounded, Africa-first perspective. "System Update", is produced by Forus as part of CADE - the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment - a project co-funded by the European Union. CADE’s objective is to support the capacity of civil society organisations for effective advocacy in multilateral and multistakeholder internet governance processes. https://cadeproject.org/ https://www.forus-international.org/en/pdf/civil-society-manifesto-for-ethical-ai-106205 https://bongohive.co.zm/ This podcast was co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Forus and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.