Over 1,000 delegates from 95 countries, including heads of state, innovators, and investors, will gather in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for the Global AI Summit on Africa (GAISAfrica25).
This landmark event will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can drive inclusive economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance the skills of Africa’s workforce.
The two-day summit, beginning on April 3, is organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) and Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
It will be held under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
According to the organizers, the summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, startup innovators, investors, researchers, academics, and representatives from international organizations. The goal is to secure concrete commitments toward building Africa’s AI capabilities.
Through keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, the summit will focus on leveraging AI to create inclusive economic opportunities, foster innovation, and enhance workforce skills across the continent.
Crystal Rugege, the Managing Director of Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution(C4IR), the summit organizers, told The New Times that all stakeholders will work together to foster cross-sector collaboration, accelerate investment, and build strategic partnerships critical to driving AI-powered growth across Africa.
“We anticipate several tangible outcomes, most notably a declaration laying the foundation for realizing Africa’s AI ambitions. Our goal is to move beyond discussion and deliver concrete commitments that build Africa’s AI capabilities,” she added.
“This includes strategic investments in talent, infrastructure, data sets, and good governance to scale AI enterprises responsibly and sustainably across the continent.”
According to 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 maximize these benefits, African leaders must navigate complex economic, social, and geostrategic challenges while fostering a shared vision for AI-driven development on the continent.