South-South Cooperation driving inclusive development at AI Impact Summit India
South-South cooperation is gaining momentum in AI policymaking. Built on mutual respect and shared goals, it enables countries to shape their digital futures more independently. Instead of relying on established power centers, many are turning to collaboration to develop their own technological pathways.
In recent years, this approach has expanded significantly, especially around AI governance and digital sovereignty. More countries are engaging with one another, creating alliances that exchange knowledge and strengthen their collective voice in global debates. This shift is helping to broaden participation and rebalance influence in international decision making.
A key example is the Africa-Asia AI Policymaker Network, launched in 2022. It brings policymakers together to exchange experience and tackle shared challenges, including how to adapt AI strategies to national contexts. The network has since become an important platform for amplifying Global South perspectives in international AI policy debates. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, supports bilateral cooperation, and helps countries shape their own AI strategies, while promoting open and responsible AI and building a shared pool of expertise across regions.
Convening at AI Impact Summit India: South-South in action
The Policymaker Network’s work was highlighted at the AI Impact Summit India in February 2026. A panel discussion on South-South cooperation in AI Policymaking: Developing a collaboration roadmap explored how cooperation can be strengthened and presented a joint AI Policy Playbook, offering practical guidance for policymakers developing national AI frameworks.
A closed-door workshop brought together representatives from seven countries, including Ghana, India and Kenya. Discussions focused on shared priorities such as infrastructure, data sharing, regulation, and safety. One outcome was a discussion paper outlining how countries can move from being users of AI to becoming producers.
Regular exchange within the network allows members to track progress, learn from each other, and refine their approaches to regulation. At the same time, South-South cooperation alone is not sufficient to keep pace with global developments. The network therefore also engages in broader international initiatives and dialogues. Alongside these efforts, several practical publications were introduced, including guidance on open-source AI, voice technologies and data protection in India. These resources provide concrete tools for policymakers and practitioners working to build inclusive and trustworthy AI systems.
Taken together, these efforts show that South-South cooperation is becoming a key pillar of digital sovereignty. It enables countries to set their own priorities, share knowledge, and move from dialogue to implementation.
The Policymaker Network was co-convened by the Global Center on AI Governance, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and the GIZ project: FAIR Forward – AI for All initiative, supported and funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
