Global AI Summit on Africa
Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda
This inaugural Summit was hosted April 3-4, 2025 by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
Africa is poised for a technological revolution, with AI playing a pivotal role in its socioeconomic transformation. The continent accounts for the world’s youngest population, with over 60% under the age of 25. By 2035, more young Africans will enter the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined. This demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity to harness AI's potential for sustainable development.
Investments in AI are gaining momentum across Africa, with the AI market in Africa projected to reach $4.92 billion by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.43% from 2025 to 2030. Despite these advancements, challenges such as the digital divide, limited access to AI education, and underrepresentation of women in tech persist. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort that bridges generational gaps, ensuring that both seasoned experts and the youth contribute to shaping Africa's AI landscape. As AI adoption accelerates globally, African youth have the potential to play a transformative role in leveraging AI for economic growth, social impact, and job creation.
AI for All: African Youth Voices Shaping the Future
Youth-led panel, supported by the Mastercard Foundation
As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. This youth-focused session, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, brings together young innovators and current trailblazers in the global AI industry to explore how we can ensure that AI development in Africa is both inclusive and impactful. By focusing on youth perspectives and experiences, we aim to catalyze a movement that transforms challenges into opportunities, ensuring Africa's next generation participates in and actively shapes the AI transformation.
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Recorded Panel Discussion - Global AI Summit on Africa, AI for All: African Youth Voices Shaping the Future
Panelists
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Fiona Muthoni Naringwa
CNBC Africa Presenter and Producer
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Fred Swaniker
Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies
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Chinasa T. Okolo
Fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation in the Governance Studies program at Brookings
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Wambui Kinya
General Manager, Google Search Africa, Google
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Lavender Birike
Co-founder & CEO, Klima 360
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Hon. Claudette Irere
Minister of State for Education of Rwanda
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Daniel Hailu
Executive Director, Impact, Research, and Learning
Spotlight on the youth entrepreneurs
Agriculture, Science & Technology Sector
Learn more about our program focus on Digital
Our Digital focus area is centered on skills development, entrepreneurship, higher education, e-learning, STEM, education technology (EdTech), and digital economy research.