Ethics and Governance in AI: An African Perspective on Senegal's Challenges

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought about significant changes in data governance practices across African societies. In Senegal, there is a growing interest and application of AI technologies, particularly in urban planning and social services. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with government officials, community leaders, and AI developers with quantitative surveys among residents of selected urban areas in Senegal. Data analysis includes thematic content analysis and statistical testing to identify patterns and trends related to governance practices and public perception. Findings indicate that while there is a significant adoption of AI technologies for urban planning, data privacy concerns are prevalent. A notable proportion (35%) of residents surveyed expressed concerns about their personal information being used by AI systems in decision-making processes. The study concludes that current governance frameworks lack comprehensive ethical guidelines and mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of AI technologies for urban development in Senegal. Recommendations include developing a national data protection policy, enhancing public participation through inclusive consultation processes, and training government officials on best practices in AI ethics. The integration of these measures could significantly improve governance outcomes in the context of AI applications.