African and Caribbean Ministers Advocate for AI Regulations to Protect Creative Industries
African and Caribbean ministers responsible for cultural and creative industries convened at CANEX Weekend 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, to address the impact of artificial intelligence on their sectors. They issued a joint communiqué calling for regulatory frameworks to safeguard creators, cultural assets, and intellectual property. The ministers emphasized the need to resolve critical concerns surrounding ownership, cultural representation, and economic equity as AI transforms the creative economy. They urged governments and industry stakeholders to develop policies and digital infrastructure that ensure African creators are adequately represented and protected, enabling them to benefit from emerging technologies. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, permanent secretary of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted the importance of translating these recommendations into practical policies and fostering stronger cross-border collaboration.
