The highly anticipated Global AI Summit on Africa officially kicked off today at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC), marking the first high-level gathering dedicated to exploring the continent’s role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem
The meeting titled “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce” unites more than 1,000 attendees including leaders from across the world as well as investors and academics and tech trailblazers.
The summit spans across two days because Africa stands out as the world’s fastest-growing labor market which receives increased attention in the AI sector. The gathering consists of more than 100 AI enterprises and representatives from 95 countries who join forces to study Africa’s economic potential following AI-based development.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame headlined the summit through a keynote presentation while high-ranking officials Adolf Faustine Mkenda, Tanzania’s Minister of Education, Science, and Technology and Jonathan Rei, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Technology of Barbados, and Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group and Cassava Technologies joined his address.
The summit presents itself as a critical event because AI investments continue to increase across the African continent. Mastercard Foundation anticipates artificial intelligence demand across the African market will surpass $4.92 billion by 2025 and show an annual 27% growth rate from 2025 to 2030.
AI serves as a vital promoter of sustainable development by forecasted to provide $2.9 trillion in value to Africa’s economy. Recognized as a top priority at the discussions are the ways African youth can leverage AI’s potential. The stakeholder group focuses on understanding how AI can enhance workforce capabilities and support inclusive economic expansion and sustainable prospects throughout Africa’s population of 60% or younger.
