The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic instrument to boost the effectiveness of its legislative operations across the regional assembly.
This initiative was revealed by Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, during her address at the conclusion of the 2025 Second Parliamentary Seminar held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event centered on the theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Development within the ECOWAS Region.”
Over the course of three days, the seminar brought together specialists who delivered insightful presentations, engaged in panel discussions, and facilitated dynamic debates among parliamentarians. The focus was on the critical role AI can play in legislative processes, alongside the necessity of establishing robust regulatory frameworks to address potential risks.
Represented by the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Billay Tunkara, the Speaker characterized AI as an “irreversible revolution,” highlighting its rapid impact in reshaping the economic landscape, societal structures, and governance models throughout West Africa.
“AI has swiftly transitioned from a futuristic concept to a transformative force influencing every facet of our lives. However, it also presents challenges to our collective values and fundamental human rights,” she noted.
“When effectively utilized by parliament, AI can facilitate well-informed discussions, streamline lawmaking, and strengthen parliamentary oversight mechanisms.
“This technology equips us to perform our duties with greater efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our citizens. It is imperative that we embrace AI, invest in training our personnel, and update our legislative procedures to integrate this innovation,” the Speaker emphasized.
Ibrahima described the seminar as a pivotal moment for ECOWAS Parliament to adopt a unified and proactive stance on AI, expressing confidence that the insights gained will lead to actionable and ambitious strategies.
Throughout the sessions, numerous legislators recognized the indispensable role of AI amid global technological advancements but voiced concerns regarding its potential risks. They advocated for a measured approach to AI adoption, mindful of the region’s infrastructural challenges and vulnerabilities.
As West Africa confronts the AI revolution, it must devise strategies to adapt this technology locally while carefully balancing the embrace of AI’s transformative benefits with the preservation of democratic principles centered on human dignity and rights.
The seminar will be succeeded by the 2025 Second Extraordinary session of the 6th legislature, scheduled for Thursday in the oil-rich city of Port Harcourt.
