The Global AI Summit on Africa (GAISAfrica25), the first high-level gathering dedicated to exploring the continent’s role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and its transformative impact on Africa’s workforce and economy, officially kicked off on Thursday, April 3, at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The two-day event has brought together over 1,000 policymakers, business leaders, and interest groups as Africa seeks to elevate its AI ambitions onto the global stage.
The summit is held under the theme “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
On the opening day, Rwandan President Paul Kagame was joined by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the summit, President Kagame emphasized the urgency of strategic investments in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration to ensure Africa secures its AI-driven future.
“Africa can’t afford to be left behind, once again playing catch up. We have to adopt, cooperate, and compete because it is in our best interest to do so. That is why we are here,” he said.
He commended the African Union, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for spearheading the establishment of the Africa AI Council, which aims to guide the continent’s AI development.
“The potential for innovation and creativity on our continent is immense, and that is already a comparative advantage. Which AI can multiply. Right now, our strategy should be to go back to the drawing board and build a stronger foundation for connectivity,” he added.
In Rwanda, the Head of State highlighted the establishment of several centers of excellence to equip young people with the necessary skills for AI-driven jobs.
“Our next generation must be empowered, Africans will soon represent the majority of the growth in the global workforce.”,” he noted.
According to the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), AI is projected to contribute $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $2.9 trillion expected to be injected into Africa’s economy. This could lift 11 million Africans out of poverty and create 500,000 jobs annually.
To fully capitalize on these benefits, African leaders must navigate complex economic, social, and geostrategic challenges while fostering a shared vision for AI-driven development across the continent.
