Rwanda is set to host a high-level summit on artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa aiming to harness the economic potential of the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, and shape the future of its governance and accessibility.

The summit will be hosted at the end of 2024 by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda (C4IR Rwanda), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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It is an outcome of the work of the AI Governance Alliance (AIGA), an initiative launched by WEF in 2023. AIGA convenes key stakeholders across the world to shape responsible AI development, application, and governance.

The Africa summit seeks to address one of the key priorities of AIGA; to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to AI, starting by convening thought leaders in geographic and economic areas that need more representation as highlighted in the AIGA briefing papers launched during the WEF 2024 session held in Davos, Switzerland.

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Under the theme, "AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce," the summit aims to align African countries on common risks, barriers, and opportunities and devise a unified strategy for AI in Africa. It will convene government and business leaders as well as experts from academia and civil society.

Announcing the summit on January 18 during WEF’s Annual Meeting, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, stated, "Africa’s youthful workforce is uniquely positioned to be a strategic asset in the global AI agenda and can fuel tremendous growth for our economies.”

"Governance and accessibility are critical to advancing these ambitions and ensuring AI is designed and adopted responsibly, inclusively, within a trusted environment. We look forward to the summit and engaging with leaders from across the continent to shape a unified AI agenda for Africa.”

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Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data and Metaverse as well as member of the Executive Committee at WEF, said that bridging the digital divide in artificial intelligence is more than a necessity; it's a critical global imperative.

"We are enthusiastic about our collaboration between the World Economic Forum and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda (C4IR Rwanda) for the upcoming AI Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.

"This collaboration symbolizes our shared dedication to crafting a pathway toward an AI future that is not only inclusive but also equitable. Together, we are committed to fostering an environment where innovation is limitless, ensuring that the benefits of AI extend across all borders and impact every community.”

The upcoming Africa summit also builds on C4IR Rwanda’s ongoing work in AI policy and ethical guidelines, including supporting the Government of Rwanda in developing its National AI Policy, launched in 2023.

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As the only centre currently in Africa, it also serves as a convener for AI initiatives on the continent. It seeks to use the upcoming summit to deepen understanding of how AI can address African countries' unique challenges and opportunities, particularly around access and inclusion.

Crystal Rugege, the Managing Director of C4IR Rwanda, said, "We are excited to host this landmark event on AI in Africa. It is timely that we have focused discussions rooted in the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the continent, and recognize the distinct opportunities for Africa to gain a competitive advantage.”

"We look forward to welcoming leaders to Kigali later this year as we lay the foundation for an equitable and sustainable future, where the benefits of AI are shared, the risks are mitigated, and Africa's economic potential is realized.”