by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – NORTH-WEST University (NWU) has become the first African university to formally adopt an institutional artificial intelligence policy, marking a major milestone for higher education on the continent.
The policy was approved by the NWU Council at its most recent meeting, positioning the South African institution as a continental leader in the responsible governance of AI.
According to Prof. Anné Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub, the decision helps shape national debates around ethical, secure and human centred use of artificial intelligence in teaching, research and administration.
“Many universities are delaying the creation of an AI policy because of the rapid pace of AI development. While this concern is valid, a policy can be crafted in a flexible and broad manner that adapts to the swiftly evolving AI landscape,” Prof. Verhoef said.
“Such a policy is also vital because it provides a framework for the safe and secure management and governance of AI within the university. At the NWU, the need for this framework became clear as our AI strategy focuses on embracing AI in a human centred, ethical and responsible way.”
He adds that the framework must guide teaching, learning, assessment, research and postgraduate supervision, while clearly defining the responsibilities of students, lecturers, researchers and management across the institution.
Many African universities remain uncertain about how AI should be governed, with responsibilities often split between teaching centres, research offices and IT departments.
NWU’s policy addresses this fragmentation by establishing a centralised governance model, recognising that artificial intelligence is fundamentally an information technology application that requires robust infrastructure, security controls and accountability.
“Without a harmonised strategy that integrates teaching, learning, research and management, universities risk conflicting approaches that confuse and disadvantage both students and staff,” Verhoef explains.
The policy places oversight within the university’s IT department and establishes an AI Steering Committee representing students, faculty, administration, libraries and teaching support units, reporting through formal governance structures to senior management and Senate.
Beyond NWU, the move highlights why African universities urgently need AI policies of their own.
Clear frameworks protect academic integrity, guide responsible innovation, reduce misuse risks, and ensure students are prepared for AI-driven economies.
Universities shape future leaders, and without policy-led adoption, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer of foreign AI systems rather than a contributor and innovator.
Embracing AI delivers wide-ranging benefits across African economies. In universities, AI improves research, administration and personalised learning.
In ecommerce and business, it enhances logistics, customer experience and competitiveness. In agriculture, AI supports precision farming, climate forecasting and food security.
In health, it strengthens diagnostics, disease surveillance and service delivery. Mining and energy benefit from predictive maintenance, safety and efficiency, while education systems gain scalable access and quality.
Verhoef also stresses sustainability, noting concerns around AI’s energy and water consumption and environmental impact.
With its consultative, human-centred approach, NWU’s policy sets a benchmark for responsible, ethical and sustainable AI adoption, offering a model for African institutions seeking digital sovereignty and long-term development.
The precedent signals governance-led innovation is now essential for Africa’s future.
– CAJ News