Rwanda Minister of State for Education Emphasizes Youth Empowerment in AI at Global Summit

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNG

Kigali, Rwanda – Earlier this Month – Claudette Irere, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Education, delivered an inspiring address at the Mastercard Foundation’s exclusive side event during the 2025 Global AI Summit on Africa, titled “AI for All: African Youth Voices Shaping the Future.” Speaking to an audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, Minister Irere highlighted the critical role of African youth in shaping the future landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent.

“Today I stand before a generation poised to make history,” she proclaimed, stressing that young people are the heartbeat of the upcoming technological transformation. Irere emphasized that the power of AI is not a distant dream but a present reality, ready to be harnessed for the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Throughout her speech, she articulated the transformative potential of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. She provided vivid examples of AI-powered solutions that address unique African issues, such as precision agriculture, which enables farmers to predict crop yields and manage resources more effectively, thereby enhancing food security.

Minister Irere acknowledged the aspirations expressed by the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya regarding AI’s potential to facilitate food security, expressing her belief that it is indeed possible. She highlighted how AI is reshaping healthcare in Rwanda by improving health data management and predicting disease outbreaks, emphasizing the urgent need for such technologies in underserved regions.

“Fintech solutions are revolutionizing access to financial services, empowering entrepreneurs across Africa,” she noted, referencing Nidia, a Nigerian company that leverages AI-driven credit scoring to support businesses. These innovations are only the beginning of what is possible, she pointed out.

As she looked toward the future, Minister Irere urged collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, corporations, and the African Union, to foster an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable AI ecosystem. She underscored the importance of youth participation in this process, encouraging the next generation of African leaders to be actively involved in conversations surrounding AI.

The minister outlined several actionable steps for young people to contribute to the development of AI on the continent:

1. Engagement: Get involved in AI communities and discussions by attending conferences, tech hubs, and networking events to foster innovation and shared knowledge.
2. Ethical Standards: Advocate for ethical AI solutions that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring that advancements do not perpetuate inequality.
3. Local Innovation: Focus on developing AI solutions tailored to local challenges, such as education accessibility in remote areas and early disease detection in rural communities.
4. Learning and Teaching: Commit to continuous education in AI, participate in training programs, and mentor peers to cultivate the next generation of African AI leaders.

Minister Irere’s passionate call to action resonated with attendees, urging them to ensure that technology benefits everyone, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location.

“We must demand that AI solutions are inclusive and cater to our African communities, urban and rural, rich and poor,” she emphasized. “I challenge you today. Let’s step forward. Lead the way. Let the world see that AI for all is an Africa-led vision.”

Minister Claudette Irere reaffirmed that the future of AI aligns with Africa’s future, and it begins with the collective responsibility of its youth. As the event unfolded, it was clear that the commitment to harnessing AI for societal good is not just a vision but a collective mission that can propel Africa into a brighter, more equitable future.