FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The African Council on Foreign Relations Names Founding Chair of the West African Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee
Virginia, USA – September 11, 2025 — The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha as the Founding Chair of the West African Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (WAAIAC). This landmark initiative marks a significant step toward shaping the future of ethical, inclusive, and geopolitically informed AI governance across West Africa.
Jean Narcisse Djaha, a very charismatic, visionary leader and strategic advisor, brings decades of experience in international diplomacy, social innovation, technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement. As Founding Chair, he will spearhead efforts to convene regional experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to develop frameworks that ensure AI technologies serve the public good, reinforce democratic values, and promote sustainable development.
The WAAIAC will operate as a high-level advisory body under the ACFR, focusing on:
- AI Governance and Policy Harmonization across West African nations
- Strategic Partnerships with global research institutions and technology firms
- Capacity Building for public sector leaders and civil society organizations
- Ethical Standards and Human-Centered AI tailored to regional contexts
- Geopolitical Foresight to anticipate and navigate global AI rivalries
What ACFR Leaders said:
- “The establishment of the West African Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee has been an important labor at the African Council on Foreign Relations. We are pleased to see Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha leading it today. Good luck Ivorian Superstar Author and Highly Acclaimed Young Global Leader,’’ said ACFR Board Member.
- ‘’The establishment of the West African Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee reflects our commitment to positioning Africa not just as a consumer of emerging technologies, but as a co-architect of the global AI future,” said another former ACFR Vice President. “Jean Narcisse Djaha’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that West Africa’s voice is heard in the global discourse on AI.”
- ‘’It is a great honor to lead the creation of this great committee at this critical time. I think that this is what every African young leader should do: respond to the challenges of today with courage, determination, and vision. If we refuse to shape the future of the region, who else will do for us?’’ said ACFR President Jean Narcisse Djaha. “In my role, I will help position West Africa in the global AI race as a co-architect, not just a consumer’’.
The Committee will begin its work with a series of strategic consultations and regional roundtables, culminating in the publication of the West African AI Change Leadership Charter or Manifesto in early 2026.
About Jean Narcisse Djaha
Jean Narcisse Djaha is a highly respected and visionary young global leader recognized for his strategic contributions to Africa’s geopolitical and technological landscape. He is the Founding Chair of the West African Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (WAAIAC), a body established under the African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) to guide the region’s approach to ethical and inclusive AI governance.
Dr. Djaha is known for his work as a:
- Global Geopolitical Research Authority
- Market-States Competitiveness Thought Leader
- Social Innovation Systems Change Leader
About the West Africa Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee
The West Africa Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (WAAIAC) was established in 2025 and is an interdisciplinary partnership between the African Council on Foreign Relations and the Africa-Israel Economic Cooperation Committee. WAAIAC brings together a diverse range of experts, including technology pundits, business leaders, government officials, academics, and social innovators, to support the development and implementation of competitive AI across the region.
Co-created through professional-led contributions and country-level insights, the West Africa Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee provides high-powered, actionable, and competitive recommendations to ensure governments, businesses, and organizations use artificial intelligence for public and social good.
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