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At the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other leaders emphasised the need for a robust AI ecosystem centered on equity, innovation, and connectivity. The summit, attended by over 1,000 participants from 90+ countries, focused on Africa’s potential in the global AI landscape, themed “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
Kagame highlighted Africa’s untapped innovation capacity and demographic advantages, urging investment in local talent and infrastructure to avoid becoming mere consumers of technology. He noted that AI could add USD 1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, contingent on improved broadband access and education.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé warned about the digital divide, stressing that AI development must benefit all societal segments, not just urban populations. Reports show nearly 60% of sub-Saharan Africa is offline, mainly due to cost and digital literacy barriers.
Rwanda’s Minister Paula Ingabire called for a balanced approach that integrates innovation with ethical standards, emphasising Rwanda’s national AI policy focused on fairness and inclusivity. The summit also featured investment opportunities for African AI start-ups and discussions on the transformative potential of AI in education, especially for the continent’s youth, who make up 60% of the population.
Beyond policy discussions, the summit featured practical engagement platforms, such as an investment roundtable to connect African AI start-ups with global venture capitalists, and a research colloquium promoting collaborative exploration of local AI applications. Organizers aim to leverage the summit’s outcomes to shape future regional frameworks for AI governance and development funding.
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In conclusion, the Global AI Summit on Africa has sparked renewed attention on cross-border and sectoral collaboration. African leaders emphasized that the future of AI on the continent must be inclusive, locally relevant, and ethically sound. By focusing on equitable access, strategic investment, and robust regulation, Africa can position itself as a key contributor to the global AI ecosystem rather than a peripheral player.
