What the Global Index Tells Us About AI Governance in North Africa

By Youness Lasfar

Artificial intelligence is rapidly influencing public life, policymaking, and digital development across the globe, and North Africa is no exception. From digital identity systems to predictive analytics in public services, governments in the region are increasingly exploring AI’s potential. Yet, the question of governance—how AI is developed, deployed, and regulated—remains deeply uneven. The 2024 edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI offers one of the most comprehensive overviews of this governance landscape, assessing over 130 countries across 57 indicators rooted in human rights, transparency, accountability, and inclusion. For North African countries, the Index provides a revealing picture of progress, disparities, and urgent areas for improvement.

Morocco emerged as the regional leader, ranking second in Africa after South Africa, with a global Index score of 22.99 out of 100. While this number is modest by global standards, it reflects a relatively strong foundation in comparison to its neighbors. Morocco’s performance was particularly notable in two areas: government action and engagement from non-state actors. Civil society organizations, researchers, and local institutions have played an active role in advocating for responsible AI frameworks and raising awareness of ethical challenges. Government initiatives like the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy and the drafting of a national AI law further supported Morocco’s position in the Index. However, the country still faces significant gaps in the areas of algorithmic accountability, inclusion, and legal enforcement, which prevent it from reaching a higher global standing.

Tunisia and Egypt, both scoring around 15–16, demonstrate more fragmented progress. Tunisia, for instance, showed relatively high engagement from academia and civil society but lacked robust national policies or government-led ethical AI initiatives. In contrast, Egypt scored moderately well on policy frameworks, benefiting from a national AI strategy and some regulatory proposals. However, its score was significantly weakened by the limited participation of non-state actors, which suggests that AI policymaking remains overly centralized and less inclusive. The absence of institutionalized public consultation mechanisms and independent oversight bodies hampers the legitimacy and effectiveness of Egypt’s AI governance efforts. These findings highlight a broader pattern seen across the region: progress tends to be either state-led or grassroots-driven, but rarely both.

Algeria and Libya represent the lower end of the spectrum, scoring among the bottom countries globally. Algeria, in particular, received one of the lowest scores in the entire Index, with zero evidence of a national AI framework, human-rights-based oversight, or active civil society engagement in AI ethics. Libya’s limited political stability and institutional disruption explain its lack of formal governance structures in this area. These results point to the challenges that fragile governance environments face when it comes to regulating emerging technologies. In such contexts, the absence of legal safeguards and ethical scrutiny can increase the risk of misuse, bias, and surveillance without accountability.

Beyond individual country scores, the Index sheds light on deeper thematic gaps across the North African region. One recurring issue is the lack of human-rights-based approaches to AI policy. Although many countries in the region have data protection laws or general digital strategies, few of them address the specific risks posed by algorithmic systems—such as discrimination, lack of transparency, and exclusion of marginalized communities. Gender inclusion is another critical area where North Africa lags behind. The Index found minimal evidence of national strategies or regulations that actively address gender bias in AI or promote equitable participation in AI development. This is particularly troubling given the risk that biased algorithms could reinforce structural inequalities, especially in contexts where women and minorities already face social or economic marginalization.

Another major concern highlighted by the Index is the lack of transparency and explainability requirements in AI systems deployed by governments. Most North African countries do not yet require that citizens be informed when AI is used to make decisions that affect them. Nor do they have formal rights to request explanations or human intervention in such cases. Without these safeguards, citizens are exposed to opaque systems that can shape their access to services, rights, or opportunities without recourse or accountability.

Despite these challenges, the Index also points to areas of opportunity. Morocco’s engagement with multilateral initiatives, such as UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and regional AI strategies under the African Union, shows that North African countries can actively contribute to shaping international norms. Moreover, the presence of active research communities and youth-led initiatives in Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco creates a foundation for inclusive dialogue and innovation. If governments invest in institutionalizing these voices—through formal consultation processes, funding for AI ethics research, and recognition of civil society expertise—they can build more resilient and rights-respecting AI ecosystems.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the Global Index is that responsible AI governance cannot be achieved through isolated actions or top-down mandates. It requires collaboration across sectors, meaningful inclusion of affected communities, and a commitment to embedding ethical principles into both law and practice. North Africa stands at a crossroads. The region has the talent, the digital infrastructure, and the policy ambition to lead in ethical AI development. But this leadership will only be meaningful if it is accompanied by real accountability, inclusive governance, and a shared vision for AI that serves the public good.

The Global Index serves not only as a measurement tool but also as a mirror. For North African countries, it reflects both achievements and blind spots. The challenge now is to respond with urgency, ambition, and a willingness to learn from one another—so that the future of AI in the region is not only advanced, but also just and inclusive.