Kigali, Rwanda, is hosting the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa, from April 3-4 under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.” Over two days, through keynotes, panels, and workshops, the summit will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to create inclusive economic opportunities, foster innovation, and enhance the skills of Africa’s workforce.
The summit is being attended by heads of state, policy makers, industrial leaders, investors, innovators, startups, researchers, and academics from around the globe. Notable attendees include;
President of the Togolese Republic; Faure Gnassingbé, Musalia Mudavadi; Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Hon. Bosun Tijani; Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, H.E. Wamkele Mene; Director General of the AfTCA, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf; Chairperson of the African Union Commission, ITU Secretary General; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Jeremy Jurgen; Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Cathy LI; Head of AI, Data & Metaverse at the World Economic Forum, Olivier Cadic; Member of the Senate, France, Dr. Aminah Zawedde; Uganda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, etc.
At the summit in Kigali, Rwandan President H.E. Paul Kagame delivered a compelling address, blending optimism for AI’s transformative power with an urgent call for African unity to avoid repeating historical patterns of technological marginalization. Emphasizing AI’s dual role as an engine for progress and a geopolitical battleground, Kagame outlined a roadmap for Africa to secure its place in the digital future.
His Excellency acknowledged AI’s groundbreaking benefits, including enhanced productivity, informed decision-making, and reduced human error—but warned that the potential of the emerging technology is being overshadowed by global power struggles. “Africa cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up,” he asserted. Stressing the concentration of technological advancements in a few nations, he urged African Nations to “adapt, cooperate, and compete,” framing collaboration as both an opportunity and a necessity.
While acknowledging AI’s uncertainties—particularly around privacy and safety—Kagame framed technology as “a force for good,” contingent on responsible use. He praised the newly established Africa AI Council (spearheaded by the African Union, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)) as a critical step toward equitable governance. However, he cautioned against allowing AI to infiltrate political spheres: “It would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics,” warning of potential risks alongside benefits.
Africa’s immense potential for innovation and creativity positions it to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as a multiplier of its comparative advantages. To harness this potential, Kagame noted that the continent must prioritize building a robust foundation for connectivity, with a focus on three critical investment areas: digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration. Reliable high-speed internet and power supply are non-negotiable for deploying AI, while cultivating a skilled workforce—including data scientists, engineers, and cybersecurity experts—is essential to meet labor market demands. He, however, emphasized that Africa already possesses workforce talent but requires scaling through targeted initiatives. Additionally, he said Africans are projected to dominate global workforce growth
Accelerating continental integration —Kagame noted that it is vital to harmonize AI governance frameworks and mobilize resources collectively.
Kagame closed with a vision of AI as a tool to reduce inequality, urging stakeholders to ensure its dividends reach all citizens. His confidence in collective action resonated: “We can work together to make this possible.” By balancing ambition with caution, Kagame’s message underscored Africa’s agency in shaping an AI future that prioritizes unity, innovation, and ethical stewardship—ensuring the continent participates and leads in the digital age.
On the sidelines of the summit, Kagame met with ITU Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, to discuss strengthening partnerships for digital solutions and tech-driven development. He also held talks with Amandeep Singh Gill, UNSG Special Envoy for Digital Technologies.
The Global AI Summit aims to foster a collaborative and context-driven approach to artificial intelligence in Africa, anchored in the continent’s unique socio-economic, cultural, and developmental realities. By grounding discussions in Africa’s priorities, the summit seeks to align stakeholders on shared challenges, risks, and opportunities posed by AI, enabling a unified strategy to address barriers and harness its potential. Central to this effort is ensuring inclusive access to AI technologies, bridging gaps to empower all African communities and prevent widening inequalities.
Additionally, the summit focuses on identifying scalable, sustainable AI initiatives capable of driving transformative impact across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
By spotlighting these opportunities, the event aims to catalyze innovation tailored to Africa’s needs while fostering cross-continental collaboration.
Ultimately, the summit strives to establish a cohesive vision for AI in Africa—one that prioritizes safe, ethical, and inclusive development, positioning AI as a catalyst for equitable growth, shared prosperity, and long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
