The first Global AI Summit in Africa concluded in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for the African Workforce.”
After deliberating on how to harness cutting-edge technology to drive growth and development across the continent, the summit officially launched the African AI Council—a multilateral body designed to guide Africa’s AI agenda through comprehensive governance, ethical standards, and strategic investments.
The Council aims to unify African nations around shared challenges and opportunities, ensure equitable access to AI-based technology, boost domestic innovation, and protect data sovereignty.
At the summit’s inauguration, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other leaders emphasized the importance of building a robust AI ecosystem focused on fairness, innovation, and connectivity.
Beyond policy discussions, the summit offered hands-on engagement platforms, including an investment roundtable that connected African AI startups with global venture capitalists, and a research symposium promoting collaborative exploration of local AI applications.
The event brought together over 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and representatives from more than 100 AI-focused companies.
