The Africa Declaration of Artificial Intelligence, outlining a shared commitment among African nations to align national strategies with continental goals, safeguard data sovereignty, build digital infrastructure, and foster a sustainable AI innovation ecosystem, has officially been launched.
The launch was held at the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda — with support from the Gates Foundation.
Over 20 African leaders including Ministers and State Ministers of ICT were present during the launch, marking a major milestone for Africa’s AI future.
African leaders including Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Faure Gnassingbé (Togo), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Lerato Mataboge, Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission as well as ICT Ministers and State Ministers; Paula Ingabire (Rwanda), Cina Lawson (Togo), Samuel George Nartey (Ghana), Bosun Tijani (Nigeria), Ibrahim Kalil Konaté (Côte d’Ivoire), Joyce Ssebugwawo (Uganda) who were present during the launch, emphasised the need for an inclusive, ethical AI systems that reflect Africa’s values and drive widespread socioeconomic development.
The Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence was a cumulative effort of 50 countries facilitated by Qhala, Smart Africa, and Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). Signed by 54 signatories, including the African Union (AU), the Declaration also announced the establishment of a US$60 billion (approx. UGX222.46 trillion) Africa AI Fund.
Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, note that the launch of the Declaration marks a milestone in shaping Africa’s AI governance and innovation landscape and it is (the Declaration) timely, as Africa’s AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving but remains fragmented and underfunded.
“This will ensure that Africa takes its place in a leadership role in global AI development, ensuring that AI technologies are designed and deployed responsibly to meet Africa’s unique needs,” she said.
Gitau also noted that Qhala has always believed in the power of technology to level the playing field for all Africans through the creation of opportunities. “This pivotal moment in Africa’s AI landscape will be a catalyst for unstoppable growth,” he ends
The Global AI Summit on Africa was also marked by the official endorsement in principle to create the Africa AI Council mandated to accelerate Africa’s digital future by driving AI governance and policy development. It is a major step towards cross-border collaboration and AI talent development in Africa, with a focus on creativity, equity, and building the infrastructure and governance frameworks needed to ensure Africa’s rightful participation in the global AI space.
The Council will be dedicated to shaping AI strategies that address Africa’s core development priorities in areas like health, education, agriculture, etc., while positioning the continent as a global leader. Its operational roadmap will be presented at the Transform Africa Summit (later this year in Kigali), reinforcing Africa’s commitment to shaping the global AI landscape.
Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director at the Gates Foundation, said the Council is bold and necessary to ensure AI serves the continent’s development goals. “By scaling locally grounded solutions, we can reduce structural inequalities and accelerate progress in health, agriculture, and education,” he said.
He also noted that the initiative resonates with the Africa AI Scaling Hubs initiative, and the Gates Foundation is proud to support this effort.
Adding to Dr. Basinga’s remarks, Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, said, “The establishment of the Africa AI Council will mark a significant step towards realizing Africa’s potential in the AI-driven global economy.” Adds “AI is not just technology to us, it’s an African arrow that, when thrown with the right ethical frameworks and inclusive policies, can pierce the way to African digital prosperity and resilience for the benefit of every citizen.”
Also read:
Africa’s AI landscape is changing quickly. By 2030, AI is projected to contribute a staggering US$2.9 trillion to the African economy (according to GSMA).
The formation of the AI Council is a bid to boost Africa’s competitiveness and foster inclusive and effective growth, which will attract investors and enhance exports for the continent.
The Declaration is primed to secure Africa’s place as a major driving force in the global AI revolution.
