The Global AI Summit on Africa 2025, being held in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, under the theme of “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce” is believed to accelerate the continent’s efforts to enhance AI innovations and capabilities.

The two-day event, which kicked off on Thursday aimed to discuss the latest developments, innovations and technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and exchange knowledge and expertise with other countries.

The summit brought together more than 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors and representatives of more than 100 AI companies.

Speaking at the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized Africa’s immense potential for innovation and creativity, which can be amplified by AI. He urged African countries to take proactive steps to fully harness AI’s benefits.

“Our strategy should be to go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity,” Kagame said. “Let’s continue working together and driving AI to reduce inequality, allowing more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us.”

Kagame said that AI is revolutionizing industries by improving productivity, enhancing decision-making, and reducing human error. However, he cautioned that Africa risks being left behind if it does not adapt, cooperate, and compete in AI development.

The overall objective was to accelerate AI innovation and align strategic policies in a manner that enhances Africa’s AI capabilities and achieve competitiveness and inclusive growth.

The summit saw the launch of the Africa AI Council, which will lead the development of the continent’s AI ambitions.

It also included panel discussions and workshops and showcased the products of more than 100 promising AI companies in Africa.

The summit also featured discussions on how to harness AI with the purpose of encouraging innovation and boosting the skills of Africa’s workforce.

Home to the largest and fastest growing workforce in the world, Africa is poised to play a consequential role in the global AI ecosystem.

By 2030, AI stands to add 19.9 trillion USD to the global economy—injecting 2.9 trillion USD to Africa’s economy. This could lift 11 million Africans out of poverty, and create 500,000 jobs annually.

Maximizing the tremendous benefits will require Africa’s leaders to navigate complex economic, social, and geostrategic dynamics, and a shared vision for Africa’s leadership in the age of AI.