First Africa AI Summit kicks off in Rwanda

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

A two-day Global AI Summit on Africa began Thursday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed leading figures on the continent, including Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s -prime cabinet secretary.

Kagame said artificial intelligence (AI) is driving some of the “most groundbreaking innovations" of the age, but it is “unfortunate that the rise of this new technology is being overshadowed by geopolitical competition.”

Highlighting technological development is concentrated in a few countries, he said: “Africa cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up.”

Kagame urged the continent to adapt, cooperate, compete and integrate as it is in Africa’s “best interest to do so.”

He thanked the AU, Smart Africa and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for establishing the Africa AI Council.

Kagame said Africa already has data scientists, engineers and cybersecurity experts, and Africans will soon lead the global workforce growth.

He acknowledged uncertainty around AI, particularly concerning privacy and safety, but underlined that technology must be a “force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly.”

“I'm confident we can work together to make this possible,” said Kagame.

He said AI can be guided to benefit the world through collaboration, without letting it influence politics, diplomacy or cooperation.