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.
1000+
Participants
95+
Countries
100+
AI Enterprises
Heads of State
Policy Maker
Captains of Industry
Investors
Innovators & Startups
Researchers & Academics
H.E. Ms. Lerato Mataboge
Strive Masiyiwa
Dr. James Manyika
Dr. Senait Fisseha
Eric Schmidt, KBE
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Patrice Motsepe
H.E. Doreen Bogdan-Martin
H.E. Amandeep Singh Gill
Amb. Claver Gatete
Lacina Kone
Fred Swaniker
Trevor Mundel
Alex Okosi
Dr. Vera Songwe
Over 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
08.00 - 09.15
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.
11.00 - 12.15
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
17.00 - 19.00
Cultural Soiree
A cocktail reception immersed in culture and entertainment.
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14.45 - 15.30
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.
4pm
Meet the Hosts and Co-Chairs
This media briefing will introduce the Global AI Summit on Africa Co-Chairs, who will share their perspectives on Africa’s role in the global AI economy.
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.