In a groundbreaking move towards shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent, Smart Africa has announced the establishment of theAfrica AI Council. This initiative brings together 40 prominent African nations under an alliance led by Smart Africa—an organization comprised of leaders from government, private sector, and academia—dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusivity within the AI ecosystem.
The Africa AI Council aims to position Africa as a strategic leader in the global AI economy by aligning efforts across national and continental initiatives. This council will drive future ambitions for the continent’s digital transformation through AI-enabled industries, offering unique opportunities for inclusive growth due to its youthful population among the fastest-growing segments of humanity.
As part of this vision, the inaugural members of the council were unveiled at an upcoming Global AI Summit in Africa, co-hosted by Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) and Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation. This event coincides with high-level meetings organized by The World Economic Forum to discuss AI applications across various sectors.
To facilitate progress, Qhala—a prominent organization—has joined forces with Smart Africa in developing strategies and operationalizing initiatives through a dedicated secretariat focused on supporting the council’s work. With significant funding from The Gates Foundation, Qhala is currently creating essential tools for AI governance, including an index measuring AI talent readiness across Africa.
Looking ahead, consultative sessions are already being planned during key AI events such as the Paris AI Action Summit and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. These consultations will provide valuable insights to guide the council’s strategic direction at both intra-African meetings with ministers from various countries and broader stakeholder engagements within these prominent industry gatherings.
Together, Smart Africa and its collaborators envision a future where Africa’s vast population can thrive through AI technologies that promote inclusivity, driving sustainable economic growth while addressing societal needs effectively. This collaborative effort represents an important step towards leveraging the continent’s unique advantages to lead in the global AI landscape.
