By 2030, AI is estimated to add $2.9 trillion to the African economy.
We need to pioneer new approaches and forge transformative partnerships to harness AI for Africa’s inclusive growth, and create a safe and secure digital future for all.
About the event
The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will host 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."
Home to the largest and fastest-growing workforce in the world, Africa is poised to play a consequential role in the global AI ecosystem. Maximising AI’s tremendous benefits and mitigating its inherent risks will require multi-stakeholder engagement and inclusive dialogue.
This premier event will gather world leaders, government ministers, CEOs, civil society, start-ups, investors, and international organizations to shape Africa's role in the global AI economy.
Access to the Global AI Summit on Africa is by invitation only. Register your interest in joining us today.
Request an invitationOver two days, through keynotes, panels, and workshops, the summit will focus 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
Thursday 3 April
Friday 4 April
8am
Meet the Co-Chairs of the 2025 Global AI Summit on Africa
This media briefing will introduce the co-chairs of the Global AI Summit on Africa, who will share their perspectives on Africa’s role in the global AI economy and set the context for the two-day summit.
9am
Africa & 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 explore challenges and opportunities to advance inclusive and resilient growth, while creating a safe and secure digital future for the continent.
10am
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.
11am
Inclusive AI for Growth and Development
Global distribution and access to AI is not inevitable. To ensure AI becomes more equitable, safe, and responsible, Africa must invest its people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and governance models.
12pm
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?
1pm
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 compute.
2pm
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.
3pm
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.
8am
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.
9am
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
10am
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.
11am
Building National AI Ecosystems
With the rapid pace of AI innovation and adoption, countries must have the right governance frameworks, infrastructure, and ecosystems to fully participate in the AI revolution.
12pm
Unleashing the Power of AI in Agriculture
As 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, they 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
2pm
Intergenerational Insights: Building Africa’s AI Future
Recognizing the pivotal role of African youth can play in the AI revolution, this panel brings together young innovators, entrepreneurs, and students alongside government leaders and industry experts to discuss AI’s opportunities and challenges in Africa. The dialogue will focus on strategies to harness AI for social impact, economic growth, and job creation through youth empowerment and collaboration.
3pm
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 for climate solutions to health innovation, join this session to learn how AI will converge with others domains, setting the stage for sustainable, intelligent economies of tomorrow.
4pm
AI Governance and Africa’s Leadership 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.
5pm
Closing Plenary
Witness a historic moment as leaders affirm commitments towards shaping Africa’s leadership in the AI era.
5.30pm
Farewell Reception
Join us the farewell reception of the Global AI Summit on Africa
