China-backed WAICO aims to reshape global AI cooperation
The China-backed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization says it will widen AI cooperation and capacity-building. Its success — and its value to Africa — will depend on membership, resources, safeguards and how it works alongside existing global institutions.
China-backed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) seeks to transform global AI collaboration, ensuring Africa and the Global South are not marginalized. As AI reshapes societies, economies, and security worldwide, African nations, which account for 20% of the global population but only 2.5% of the AI market, face barriers like high costs, uneven policy adoption, and lack of technological production.
With 38 countries from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Latin America signing the WAICO Agreement, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the July 16 signing ceremony in Shanghai, China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China and other nations established WAICO to create a fairer AI governance system and promote inclusive benefits for all humanity.
President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Global South in shaping AI governance through true multilateralism, hailing the organization's founding as a significant move by China. As WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, serves as a norms-setting venue for global AI governance, it marks a shift from principles to operationalized principles.
The organization aims to promote international AI cooperation, safety, fairness, and healthy development, benefiting all humanity. China, a leader in AI regulation, will support global AI development and capacity building over the next five years by providing 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries and inviting 30 countries to use its AI-powered meteorological warning system, MAZU.
China's infrastructure and partnerships with African nations, such as Huawei's 70% contribution to Africa's 4G infrastructure, facilitate AI adoption and bridge the digital divide.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
