In a landmark move to position Africa as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), Smart Africa has officially launched the Africa AI Council. This new initiative brings together policymakers, industry experts, and AI thought leaders to spearhead the continent’s AI-driven digital transformation, economic growth, and policy development.
The Africa AI Council is designed to drive inclusive AI adoption, workforce development, and innovation, ensuring that Africa harnesses AI’s full potential to boost its economy, enhance public services, and create millions of job opportunities.
With AI projected to contribute $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, this Council will play a crucial role in shaping AI policies, developing local talent, and fostering partnerships to position Africa as a competitive force in the global AI landscape.
Key Objectives of the Africa AI Council
The Africa AI Council will function as an advisory body to the Council of Ministers, Steering Committee, and the Board of Smart Africa. It aims to:
- Accelerate AI Adoption – Develop policies that support AI-driven industries, foster AI research, and promote responsible AI use
- Boost AI Talent Development – Equip Africa’s youth and workforce with the necessary AI skills and knowledge to compete globally
- Enhance Digital Infrastructure – Address barriers like internet connectivity, data accessibility, and AI model training
- Support Ethical AI Governance – Implement ethical AI frameworks, data privacy policies, and inclusive AI regulations
According to Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa:
“The Africa AI Council is a bold step toward securing Africa’s place in the AI-powered global economy. AI is not just another technology—it is a game-changer for Africa’s development, ensuring economic resilience and digital prosperity for all.”
Global AI Summit on Africa: Unveiling the AI Council
The first members of the Africa AI Council will be formally introduced at the Global AI Summit on Africa, scheduled for April 3-4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. The summit, hosted by Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, will focus on:
- AI’s role in Africa’s economic transformation
- The future of AI jobs and skills development
- AI governance, data sovereignty, and responsible AI policies
This high-profile event will feature top AI experts, policymakers, investors, and tech innovators to discuss how AI can shape Africa’s digital future.
Strategic AI Partnerships to Shape Africa’s Digital Future
The Africa AI Council will collaborate with key partners to develop AI governance strategies and ensure sustainable AI implementation.
Key Partnerships
- C4IR and Qhala – Responsible for developing the Council’s strategic roadmap and operational framework
- Qhala & Gates Foundation – Backing AI research, governance, and policy development through funding
- Pan-African AI Research Center – Establishing a center dedicated to AI research, policy recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives
These partnerships will focus on scaling AI adoption, bridging Africa’s AI talent gap, and ensuring ethical AI use across industries.
Africa’s AI Economy: The Road to $2.9 Trillion Growth
By 2030, AI is expected to inject $19.9 trillion into the global economy, with Africa capturing $2.9 trillion. The Africa AI Council is committed to ensuring Africa maximizes this growth potential by:
- Lifting 11 million Africans out of poverty through AI-driven economic inclusion
- Creating over 500,000 AI-related jobs annually
- Developing localized AI solutions that address Africa’s unique socio-economic challenges
- Fostering AI innovation across key sectors, including finance, healthcare, agriculture, and education
The Future of AI in Africa: A Call to Action
The launch of the Africa AI Council marks the beginning of a new era for Africa’s AI-driven economic transformation.
With AI playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of work, governance, and industry, African nations must act now to build a strong AI ecosystem. This means:
- Investing in AI research and education
- Developing robust AI policies and governance frameworks
- Encouraging cross-border AI collaboration and talent mobility
- Ensuring AI technologies are accessible, inclusive, and ethically implemented
The upcoming Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025 will set the stage for Africa’s AI ambitions, while the Transform Africa Summit in July 2025 will outline the Council’s long-term strategy.
With the Africa AI Council, Smart Africa is laying the foundation for a thriving, AI-powered Africa—one that is digitally competitive, inclusive, and globally recognized.
For more updates on the Africa AI Council, visit: Global AI Summit on Africa
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