Gabon champions human-centric AI governance at un dialogue

While global powers pursue an intense race for algorithmic dominance, Gabon is advocating for a distinct approach. During the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held in Geneva under the United Nations’ auspices, Mark Alexandre Doumba, Gabon’s Minister of Digital Economy, urged the international community to engage in profound self-reflection. For Libreville, the priority isn’t developing the fastest technology, but rather crafting a truly universally accessible tool.

Confronting the major tech players who prioritize larger models and advanced computational capabilities, the Gabonese minister proposed a transformative paradigm shift. “Being first in AI is not the objective,” he emphasized. “The real goal is to ensure AI is deployed extensively.”

The current rush, in his view, overlooks the fundamental issue. The true challenge has evolved beyond technical hurdles, becoming primarily political and human: establishing the necessary institutions and regulations for responsible AI implementation. This perspective firmly places ethical governance and judicious oversight at the forefront of the discussion.

The rise of “small AI” and local impact

Gabon believes the future of this technology lies in shifting from “big AI” to specialized solutions, precisely tailored to local circumstances. Mark Alexandre Doumba refers to this as “small AI.” “The real boundary isn’t about creating increasingly massive models,” he explained. “It’s the local adaptation that will empower an African farmer, for instance, to utilize this technology effectively within their specific environment.”

Whether optimizing agricultural yields, modernizing essential public services, or enhancing access to healthcare, the genuine value of AI will be measured by the tangible benefits it delivers to populations in the Global South, who are too often confined to merely consuming imported technologies.

Rethinking the system to prevent a new global divide

Beyond its role as a technical instrument, the minister views AI as a potent catalyst for systemic transformation. Its purpose should extend beyond merely optimizing current systems; it must drive a redefinition of economic and social rules to foster greater inclusion.

Despite humanity possessing unprecedented financial and technological resources, the significant risk of a new global divide persists. The Gabonese representative issued a clear warning: without a collective commitment to distribute these innovations equitably, the chasm between AI developers and its end-users will emerge as the defining fault line of the 21st century. The true success of this revolution, he affirmed, will not be measured in teraflops, but in the tangible improvement of human lives.