Over 50 African states represented at the Global AI Summit in Kigali, have made a bold new declaration aimed at shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its contribution to development on the continent.
The Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence outlines a shared commitment to align national strategies with broader continental goals, protect data sovereignty, build digital infrastructure, and foster sustainable AI innovation.
The Declaration, launched with the support of the Gates Foundation, was a cumulation of efforts of 50 plus countries facilitated by Qhala, Smart Africa and Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution [C4IR].
Key Highlights
The declaration, which has 54 signatories, including the African Union, announced a $60 billion Africa AI Fund set up to drive future innovation and infrastructure development.
It also marks the establishment of the Africa AI Council, which will oversee AI governance and policy across the continent.
Over 20 African leaders, including Ghana Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, were present for the declaration.
Other key African leaders present include Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy, Lerato Mataboge, as well as the ICT Ministers Paula Ingabire (Rwanda), Cina Lawson (Togo), Bosun Tijani (Nigeria) and Ibrahim Kalil Konaté (Côte d’Ivoire).
Per the declaration, the Council will focus on AI strategies addressing key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, with the view to position Africa as a global leader in AI, while ensuring that AI aligns with the continent’s unique development priorities.
The Council’s roadmap will be disclosed at the Transform Africa Summit in 2025.
Currently, Africa’s AI market is set to contribute some $2.9 trillion to the economy by 2030.
The Declaration and the AI Council are therefore part of a broader effort to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and enhance exports in the AI-driven global economy.
The Africa Declaration is a critical step toward ensuring Africa’s rightful place in the global AI landscape. It sets the stage for inclusive, ethical AI systems that reflect African values and address the continent’s most pressing development challenges.
Meanwhile, industry analysts have sounded a note of caution that, it is okay to make an open declaration in front of the cameras, but it is more important to note that the actual benefits of AI to Africa’s transformation lies in the actions African leaders will take when the cameras a gone.
