Inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa to Take Place in Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda – The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, is set to host the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa on April 3-4, 2025. This exclusive invitation-only event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry executives, investors, civil society representatives, and entrepreneurs to explore Africa’s pivotal role in the burgeoning global AI economy.

As the continent boasts the world’s fastest-growing workforce, the summit aims to position Africa as a significant player in the global AI ecosystem. Discussions will focus on leveraging AI to foster inclusive economic growth, stimulate innovation, and enhance workforce development, all while ensuring ethical governance and mitigating risks.

The two-day summit will feature a comprehensive program that includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops centered on seven critical themes:

1. People: Exploring jobs, skills, and talent mobility in the AI economy.
2. Infrastructure: Identifying barriers to AI adoption and future digital infrastructure needs.
3. Data: Discussing issues of AI adoption, equity, and data sovereignty.
4. AI Models: Addressing gaps related to language, culture, and inclusion.
5. AI Applications: Focusing on human-centric use cases that drive economic and social transformation.
6. Entrepreneurship: Fostering AI innovation through talent, knowledge, and investment.
7. Governance: Establishing trust and developing ethical AI policies to protect citizens.

On the first day, April 3, the summit will kick off with a media briefing introducing the co-chairs, who will delineate Africa’s strategic role in the global AI economy. Key discussions will highlight the continent’s AI potential, revealing opportunities for inclusive growth, advancing digital security, and stimulating economic transformation. Experts will project a significant $2.9 trillion impact of AI on Africa, stressing the need for investment in infrastructure, skills development, and effective governance, while also tackling challenges in AI adoption and data sovereignty.

The following day, April 4, will shift focus to practical AI applications, showcasing advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Attendees will engage in discussions regarding the AI infrastructure necessary for the continent, national AI strategies, and the significance of emerging technologies like quantum computing and robotics. The summit will conclude with a strong call to enhance AI governance, establishing Africa’s leadership in the global AI landscape, followed by a closing plenary and reception.

The Global AI Summit on Africa promises to be a transformative event that could redefine the continent’s approach to AI and its integration into the global economy.