MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo Joins UN AI Network on Peace and Security
n MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo Joins UN AI Network on Peace and Security n nn n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Harare — Dr Tabani Moyo, the Regional Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Convenor of the IFEX Gove
anostrofy MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo Joins UN AI Network on Peace and Security
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Harare — Dr Tabani Moyo, the Regional Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Convenor of the IFEX Governing Council, has joined the United Nations network Promoting Responsible Innovation in Artificial Intelligence for Peace and Security.
Dr Moyo’s appointment follows an invitation from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), which is engaging civilian artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners to address peace and security risks linked to the misuse of civilian AI technologies.
In its invitation, UNODA said the initiative seeks to connect technical experts from industry and academia with policy communities, particularly through an African-based network of civilian AI practitioners.
Accepting the invitation, Dr Moyo said the role aligns with the strategic priorities of both MISA and IFEX.
“We accept with a deep sense of humility this responsibility, considering that at MISA and IFEX, the United Nations and African Union are strategic multilateral bodies that contribute significantly to the attainment of our respective strategic objectives,” said Dr Moyo.
He added that MISA and IFEX have been working with multilateral institutions, including UNESCO’s Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) and SADC member states, on the development of national and regional AI strategies. Zimbabwe is expected to launch its national AI framework later this year.
Dr Moyo is also a member of the African Union (AU) Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019 to guide AU Member States and Pan-African organisations on harnessing AI in line with Agenda 2063 while mitigating associated risks. The AU Executive Council adopted the AU Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy in July 2024.
In 2022, Dr Moyo participated in the AU Think Tanks for Peace consultative process commissioned by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye. The initiative brought together selected African think tanks to provide independent strategic analysis on governance, peace and security.
In July 2023, Dr Moyo also served as one of 21 experts appointed by Reporters Without Borders to develop a global Media and Artificial Intelligence Charter. The committee, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, comprised experts from 13 countries and delivered the charter in November 2023.
