Thank you for making the Global AI Summit on Africa a resounding success!
About the event
The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, hosted the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce."
2000+
Delegates
1000+
International delegates
400+
Students and Young Innovators
97+
Nationalities represented
The Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence
The inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa climaxed with the announcement of the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, a pivotal turning point for Africa’s AI journey.
The declaration seeks to:
- Leverage the potential of AI to drive innovation and competitiveness to advance Africa’s economies, industries, and societies.
- Position Africa as a global leader in ethical, trustworthy, and inclusive AI adoption.
- Foster the sustainable and responsible design, development, deployment, use, and governance of AI technologies in Africa.
Videos & Photos
H.E. Ms. Lerato Mataboge
Strive Masiyiwa
Dr. James Manyika
Dr. Senait Fisseha
Eric Schmidt, KBE
Hon. Prof. Dr. Adolf Faustine Mkenda
Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, EGH
Hon. Jonathan Reid
H.E. Wamkele Mene
H.E. Doreen Bogdan-Martin
H.E. Amandeep Singh Gill
Amb. Claver Gatete
Lacina Kone
Fred Swaniker
Dr. Joy Buolamwini
08.00 - 08.40
Welcome Coffee
09.30 - 10.30
Africa and the AI opportunity
Home to the largest and fastest growing workforce in the world, Africa is poised to play a consequential role in the global AI ecosystem. This session will set the scene for the two-day summit exploring challenges and opportunities to advance inclusive and resilient growth.
MC
Zain Verjee, Founder & CEO, theZVG
Welcome remarks
Crystal Rugege, Managing Director, Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Keynote
H.E. Ms. Lerato Mataboge , Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy, Africa Union Commission
Remarks
Bill Gates, Chair, Gates Foundation & Founder, Breakthrough Energy
Video
Welcome to GAIS Africa 2025
Conversation with
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area
Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister, ICT & Innovation, Rwanda
Hon. Bosun Tijani, Minister, Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Nigeria
Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director & CEO, Equity Group Holding
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director & Head, The Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Moderated by: Nima Elmi, VP, Strategy & Policy, Circle and CEO & Co-Founder, The Africa Dialogues
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
10.30 - 11.00
Break
11.00 - 12.15
Opening Ceremony
Leading in the Age of AI
By 2030, AI stands to add $19.9 trillion to the global economy—injecting $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy. This could lift 11 million Africans out of poverty, and create 500,000 jobs annually. Maximizing the tremendous benefits will require Africa’s leaders to navigate complex economic, social, and geostrategic dynamics, and a shared vision for Africa’s leadership in the age of AI.
Introduction by
Zain Verjee, Founder & CEO, theZVG
Opening remarks
Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister, ICT & Innovation, Rwanda
Video
Africa’s AI Moment
Conversation with
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson, African Union Commission
Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Kenya
H.E. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, International Telecommunications Union
Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman, Econet Group
Moderated by: Dr. Senait Fisseha, VP, Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
12.15 - 14.30
Lunch
A standing networking lunch will be served from 12.15 to 14.30
14.30 - 15.30
AI Competitiveness through Global Collaboration
AI has the potential to profoundly transform economies and societies for the benefit of all, provided it is developed and implemented in a responsible and equitable manner. Creating resilient ecosystems will require strategic planning and close collaboration between governments and multiple stakeholders to develop vital AI capabilities.
Remarks
Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI
Conversation with
Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data & Metaverse, World Economic Forum
Ali Al Amine, EVP, Head of Emerging Markets, G42
Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies
Amandeep Singh Gill, Under Secretary General & Special Envoy for Digital & Emerging Technologies, United Nations
Moderated by: Kendra L. Gaither, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
Data: A Strategic Imperative for Adoption, Equity, and Sovereignty
Data is the oxygen of the AI economy. Nations must build robust data infrastructure and data strategies to support localized and contextually relevant AI development. This requires responsible data governance and harmonized regulation, trusted cross-border data flows, and investment in data infrastructure to foster innovation.
Conversation with
David Kanamugire, CEO, National Cyber Security Authority, Rwanda
Olivier Cadic, Member of Senate, France
Tariq Khokhar, Chief Data Scientist, Wellcome Trust
Annick Sakho, Director Government Affairs, Africa, Oracle
Lacina Kone, Director General & CEO, Smart Africa
Moderated by: Isobel Acquah, Executive Director, Certa Foundation
MH1 | Kigali Convention Center
AI for All: African Youth Voices Shaping the Future
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation
As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. This youth focused session, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, brings together young innovators and current trailblazers in the global AI industry to explore how we can ensure AI development in Africa is both inclusive and impactful. By focusing on youth perspectives and experiences, we aim to catalyze a movement that transforms challenges into opportunities, ensuring Africa's next generation participates in and actively shapes the AI transformation.
Opening remarks
Daniel Hailu, Executive Director, Pan-African Programs
Keynote
Fred Swaniker, Founder & CEO, Sand Technologies
Conversation with
Wambui Kinya, General Manager, Search Africa
Lavender Birike, Co-founder & CEO of Klima360
Chinasa T. Okolo, Fellow, The Brookings Institution
Moderated by: Fiona Muthoni Naringwa, Media Personality
Closing remarks
Hon. Claudette Irere, Minister, State of Education, Rwanda
MH4 | Kigali Convention Center
15.30 - 15.45
Break
15.45 - 16.45
Innovating for a Healthier Future
AI-enabled scientific research has revolutionized the pace and scope of discovery, offering unprecedented opportunities for advancements in healthcare. In Africa, where healthcare challenges are profound, AI-driven innovations have the potential to significantly improve health outcomes, enhance disease prevention, and optimize resource allocation.
Spotlight Talk
Darlington Akogo, Founder & CEO, minoHealth AI Labs
Conversation with
Trevor Mundel, President, Global Health, Gates Foundation
Hon. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health, Rwanda
Mitchell Baker, Chairwoman, Mozilla Foundation
Rachel McKendry, Executive Director of Discovery, Wellcome Trust
Dr. Dino Rech, CEO Audere, CEO/Founder Audere Africa
Regis Rugemanshuro, CEO, RSSB
Moderated by: Dr. Bilal Mateen, Chief AI Officer, PATH
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
AI and Frontier Technologies: Catalyzing Synergies for Future Economic Growth
The impact of artificial intelligence will grow exponentially as it integrates with emerging technologies like quantum, biotechnology, robotics and more. With immense opportunities from climate solutions to health innovation, join this session to learn how AI will converge with other domains, setting the stage for sustainable economies of tomorrow.
Conversation with
Fred Swaniker, Founder/CEO, Sand Technologies
Aisha Walcott-Bryant, Head, Google Research Africa
Emmanuelle Ganne, Chief of Digital Trade & Frontier Technology Unit, WTO
Dr. Prince K. Osei, Lead Scientist & Director, Quantum Leap Africa
Moderated by: Esther Kunda, Director General, Emerging Technologies, MINICT, Rwanda
MH1 | Kigali Convention Center
Unleashing the Power of AI in Agriculture
New waves of agritech such as AI, IoT, augmented reality (AR), smart packaging, gene editing, drones, and blockchain are driving agriculture and food sector transformation are being seen as the catalyst for increased productivity, and enablers of the next green revolution. Africa has been at the forefront of some of the path-breaking digital interventions such as mobile money. Africa can lead the way again, in digital agriculture.
Conversation with
Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO, CIFOR-ICRAF
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister, Communications & Digitalisation, Ghana
Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director, The Africa Food Systems Forum
Shalini Unnikrishnan, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Stewart Collis, Senior Program Officer, Digital Solutions, Agricultural Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Moderated by: Antoine Sebera, Government, Chief Innovation Officer, RISA
MH4 | Kigali Convention Center
17.00 - 19.00
Cultural Soiree
A cocktail reception immersed in culture and entertainment.
MH2 & MH3 | Kigali Convention Center
08.30 - 09.15
Welcome Coffee
09.30 - 10.30
Financing Africa’s AI Ambitions
Without substantial improvements in digital infrastructure, Africa risks falling further behind in the global AI race. This means investing in state-of-the-art data centres, expanding cloud computing capabilities, and ensuring reliable and fast communication networks. Financing Africa’s AI journey will require ambitious foresight and public, private, and philanthropic collaboration.
Conversation with
Serah Makka, Africa Executive Director, One
Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Managing Partner & Chairman of the Board of Directors, SouthBridge
Dr. Vera Songwe, Founder & Chair of Liquidity & Sustainability Facility
Hon. Tesi Rusagara, State Minister, Resource Mobilisation & Public Investment, Rwanda
Chido Munyati, Head of Africa, World Economic Forum
Moderated by: Magdi Amin, Managing Partner, African Renaissance Ventures
Signing of MoU
Establishing and Sustaining the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
Jobs, Skills, and Talent Mobility in the Global AI Economy
A robust talent ecosystem is a necessary condition for Africa to fully engage in the global AI economy. What are the most effective strategies for building a productive and globally competitive workforce in Africa in the AI era?
Conversation with
Serah Makka, Africa Executive Director, One
Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Managing Partner & Chairman of the Board of Directors, SouthBridge
Dr. Vera Songwe, Founder & Chair of Liquidity & Sustainability Facility
Hon. Tesi Rusagara, State Minister, Resource Mobilisation & Public Investment, Rwanda
Chido Munyati, Head of Africa, World Economic Forum
Moderated by: Magdi Amin, Managing Partner, African Renaissance Ventures
Signing of MoU
Establishing and Sustaining the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub
MH1 | Kigali Convention Center
GenAI Gaps and Opportunities for Inclusive Development
Africa's diversity, encompassing 54 countries and over 1,000 languages, presents a unique landscape for the development of generative AI models and the deployment of innovative solutions. However, the concentration of AI model development in a few companies and countries raises significant concerns about inclusion and equitable distribution of benefits
Spotlight Talk
Prof. Vukosi Marivate, Professor of Computer Science & ABSA UP Chair of Data Science, University of Pretoria
Conversation with
Hon. Cina Lawson, Minister, Digital Economy & Digital Transformation, Togo
Annie Hartley, Professor, EPFL School of Computer & Communication Sciences
Alex Okosi, Managing Director Africa, Google
Shikoh Gitau, Founder & CEO, Qhala
Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at Open AI
Moderated by: Zameer Brey, Deputy Director, Technology Diffusion
MH4 | Kigali Convention Center
10.30 - 11.00
Break
11.00 - 12.00
Infrastructure: Barriers to Adoption and Building Blocks for the Future
Despite Africa’s abundant resources, inadequate digital infrastructure remains to be a significant challenge in realizing its AI ambitions—from power to connectivity to the cost of data and devices. Similarly, there is current demand to train and scale AI solutions in Africa, which requires access to affordable computing
Keynote
H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, Secretary General, East African Community
Conversation with
Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO, Cassava AI
Hon. Boukar Michel, Ministre d’Etat, Ministre des Télécommunications et de l’Economie Numérique, Tchad
Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Charity Wayua, Director, IBM Research Africa
Hassan Jaber, CEO, Axian Telecom
Bocar Ba, CEO, SAMENA Telecommunications Council
Moderated by: Johan Harvard, AI Advisory Global Lead, Tony Blair Institute
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
Reimagining Trust and Safety to Drive Equity and Inclusion
As AI systems increasingly influence societal structures, ensuring trust and safety is critical to fostering equity and inclusion. This panel will explore strategies for embedding ethical considerations, mitigating bias, and ensuring AI systems serve diverse populations equitably. Experts will discuss the role of governance, policy, and industry collaboration in building AI frameworks that enhance trust and safeguard marginalized communities.
Conversation with
Rachel Adams, CEO, Global Center on AI Governance
Jennifer Louie, AI Trust & Safety Expert, UNDP
Hon. Minette Libom Li Likeng, Ministre des Postes et Télécommunications, Cameroon
Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder, Algorithmic Justice League
Dr. Salma Abbasi, Chairman & CEO, eWorldwide Group
Moderated by: Stephanie Ifayemi, Senior Managing Director of Policy, Partnership on AI
MH1 | Kigali Convention Center
AI in Action: African Success Stories Transforming Industries, Economies and Societies
Africa is increasingly recognized for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, with AI companies emerging across the continent and covering diverse sectors. These companies are not only serving domestic markets but are also making significant inroads internationally. The potential for growth and scale in AI-driven businesses is immense, and African entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transformation.
Spotlight Talk
Karim Beguir, Co-Founder & CEO, Instadeep
Conversation with
Audace Niyonkuru, CEO, Digital Umuganda
Natalie Jabangwe, CEO, Timbuktoo Foundation
Tonee Ndungu, Founder & CEO, Tribbe Nation & Kytabu
Celina Lee, CEO & co-founder of Zindi
Mike Mompi, Managing Partner, Enza Capital
Moderated by: Nima Elmi, VP, Strategy & Policy, Circle and CEO & Co-Founder, The Africa Dialogues
MH4 | Kigali Convention Center
12.00 - 13.30
Lunch
A standing networking lunch will be served from 12.00 to 13.30
13.30 - 14.30
Building Africa’s Compute Capacity—Sustainably and Equitably
As the demand for advanced AI applications grows, building the necessary compute capacity is critical for Africa’s technological advancement and economic growth. However, developing this infrastructure sustainably and equitably presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Spotlight Talk
Alex Tsado, Co-Founder, Ahura AI
Conversation with
Bilha Ndirangu, CEO, Great Carbon Valley
Sarvesh Suri, Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure & Natural Resources Africa, IFC
Carter Tian, Head of MEA Regional Solution Architect, Alibaba Cloud
H.E. Rose Pola Pricemou, Ministre des Postes, des Télécommunications et de l’Économie Numérique, Guinea
Moderated by: Akua Gyekye, Director of Government Affairs, Africa, Microsoft
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
A Global View: Reimagining Success in the Creative Economy through AI
There’s no doubt the advent of AI-powered tools has sparked a new revolution of ideation, imagination, and innovation, and the future of work is challenging our traditional notions of creativity and reshaping the skills required for success. AI tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated in generating creative content, yet they're simultaneously creating a higher demand for human creativity. Whilst this paradox is reshaping the skills landscape in unexpected way, it presents both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities.
Conversation with
George Gachara, Board Chair & Founding Partner, Heva
Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Co-Founder & Lead Strategist, the Kigali Multimedia Hub/63 Inc.
Niles Luther, Composer-Cellist & Art Music Innovator, Composer in Residence at Brooklyn Museum
Tyler Bowa, Director of Creative Strategy & Innovation, The Brief / BANANAI
Moderated by: Joan Mazimhaka, Co-Founder & CEO, Illume Creative Studio
MH1 | Kigali Convention Center
Artificial Intelligence: The Next Frontier in Digital Public Infrastructure
AI is revolutionizing digital public infrastructure in Africa, enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility. From digital identity and payments to data governance and public services, AI-driven solutions can unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth. This session explores how Africa can harness AI to build resilient, people-centered digital ecosystems.
Spotlight Talk
Israel Bimpe, CEO, Irembo
Conversation with
Sanjay Jain, Director, Digital Public Infrastructure, Gates Foundation
Josephine Mukesha, Director General, NIDA
Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative, Rwanda
Dr. Conrad Tucker, Director, CMU-Africa
Snehar Shah, CEO, IXAfrica Data Centres
Moderated by: Kunal Walia, Partner & Lead Digital & Data Practice, Dalberg
MH4 | Kigali Convention Center
14.30 - 14.45
Break
14.45 - 15.45
AI Governance and Africa's positioning within the global context
As AI continues to shape economies and societies worldwide, effective governance becomes crucial to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed safely, inclusively, and responsibly. For Africa, establishing robust AI governance frameworks is essential not only to mitigate the risks, but also to position the continent as a significant player in the global AI landscape.
Remarks
Zain Verjee, Founder & CEO, theZVG
Keynote
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations & Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group
Keynote
Amandeep Singh Gill, Under Secretary General & Special Envoy for Digital & Emerging Technologies, United Nations
Conversation with
Lacina Kone, Director General & CEO, Smart Africa
Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister, ICT & Innovation, Rwanda
Rebecca Finlay, CEO, Partnership on AI
Kate Kallot, Founder & CEO, Amini
John Omo, Secretary General, Africa Telecommunications Union
Moderated by: Zain Verjee, Founder & CEO, theZVG
Video
GAISAfrica 2025 Highlights
Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Closing Remarks
Crystal Rugege, Managing Director, Rwanda Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution
Auditorium | Kigali Convention Center
Pre-Summit
Shaping AI Governance
Hosted by Center for Law & Innovation
Movie Screening: Coded Bias w/ Dr. Joy Buolamwini
Hosted by University of Oxford, Institute For Ethics in AI & AJL
AI Research Colloquim
Hosted by C4IR, Qhala, CMU-Africa, Smart Africa, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
April 3, 2025
High-level Ministerial Roundtable on Reimagining Governance with AI: From Innovation to Implementation
Hosted by Tony Blair Institute
AD11 | Kigali Convention Center
Exclusive Leadership Roundtable on Africa’s AI Future
Hosted by WEF
Investment Roundtable on the Establishment of an Africa AI Fund
Hosted by C4IR, Smart Africa, Qhala
AD10 | Kigali Convention Center
April 4, 2025
08.00 - 09.30
Roundtable Discussion: From AI Theory to Applications in Africa
Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University Africa
AD11 | Kigali Convention Center
10.30 - 12.00
Unlocking Generative AI for Health in Rwanda and across Africa
Hosted by WEF
AD11 | Kigali Convention Center
9.00 - 10.30
Building Resilient and Competitive AI Ecosystems in Africa
Hosted by WEF
MH2 | Kigali Convention Center
11.00 - 12.30
Unlocking AI's Potential in Africa: Insights & Action
Hosted by Google and African Leadership University
MH2 | Kigali Convention Center
13.30 - 14.30
Infrastructure barriers to AI Adoption and Building block for the Future
Hosted by MINICT, GSMA, Qhala & Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
MH2 | Kigali Convention Center
9.00 - 10.30
AI Investment in Africa: Moving to Scale
Hosted by AI for Development Funders Collaborative
MH3 | Kigali Convention Center
11.00 - 12.30
Designing Effective Codes of Conduct: Aligning Norms-Setting, Transparency, and Policy Prototyping (Responsible Governance Models)
Hosted by WEF
MH3 | Kigali Convention Center
Over two days, through keynotes, panels, and workshops, the summit focused on how AI can be harnessed to create inclusive economic opportunities, foster innovation, and enhance the skills of Africa’s workforce.
The programme is formed around 7 thematic areas to guide dialogue and collaboration:
People
Jobs, Skills, and Talent Mobility in the Global AI Economy
Infrastructure
Barriers to Adoption and Building Blocks for the Future
Data
A Strategic Imperative for Adoption, Equity, and Sovereignty
AI Models
Gaps and Opportunities for Inclusive Development—Language, Culture, and Context
AI Applications
Equitable and Human-Centric Use Cases to Transform Economies and Societies
Entrepreneurship
Bolstering Talent, Knowledge, and Capital to Scale Innovation-Driven Enterprises
Governance
Building Trust and Citizen Protection to Foster Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable AI
Objectives
Ground discussions in Africa's interests
Our discussions will be rooted in the continent’s unique socio-economic and cultural realities, while also connecting them to broader global opportunities.
Align on common challenges
Identify and strategize on the shared risks, barriers, and opportunities that AI presents, fostering a unified approach to overcome obstacles and leverage potential across the continent.
Unlock inclusive access to AI
Work towards equitable access to AI technologies for all African communities.
Identify scalable opportunities for AI in Africa
Spotlight and expand AI initiatives that can drive transformative and sustainable impact.
Create a unified vision for AI in Africa
Chart a path for safe and inclusive AI development and deployment across Africa, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for growth and shared prosperity.