Global AI Summit on Africa kicks off in Kigali

Rwanda's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, have kicked off the inaugural Global AI Summit in Kigali. The event, themed 'AI, Africa's Demographic Dividend, and Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce', aims to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to drive innovation and economic growth across the continent. The summit opened with President Paul Kagame emphasizing the importance of Africa not being left behind in the global race for technological advancement. He stressed the need for African countries to adapt, cooperate, and compete in the realm of artificial intelligence to secure a prosperous future for the continent. President Kagame also expressed gratitude to the African Union, Smart Africa, and ITU for championing the establishment of the Africa AI Council, highlighting the immense potential for innovation on the continent. He outlined three key areas that need to be prioritized for investment: digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration. President Kagame emphasized the importance of reliable high-speed internet and power supply for deploying artificial intelligence, the need to equip the African workforce with the necessary skills to meet market demands, and the imperative of fast-tracking continental integration to harmonize AI governance frameworks and accelerate resource mobilization. President Kagame's remarks underscored the critical role of artificial intelligence in driving Africa's economic development and empowering the next generation of African leaders.