Speaking at the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, Kagame underscored the transformative potential of AI but warned that its unchecked involvement in political processes could lead to unintended consequences.
'Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but I think we might also experience terrible things happening to us,' Kagame said.
He stressed the need for Africa to actively participate in AI development rather than remain on the sidelines, playing catch-up to global technological advancements.
Kagame noted that AI is currently dominated by a few countries, a situation he believes Africa must address by promoting cooperation, investment in digital infrastructure, and workforce development.
'Artificial intelligence is driving some of the most groundbreaking innovations of our time and accelerating the pace of digital transformation across industries,' he stated. 'However, it's unfortunate that the rise of this new technology is being overshadowed by geopolitical competition.'
To ensure Africa is not left behind, Kagame outlined three key areas of focus: enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening the continent's skilled workforce, and expediting regional integration.
He highlighted Rwanda's investment in centers of excellence to equip young people with AI-related skills, emphasizing that Africa's growing workforce presents a unique opportunity for innovation.
Furthermore, Kagame called for harmonization of AI governance frameworks across Africa, warning that regulatory fragmentation is stifling entrepreneurship and technological growth.
He urged policymakers to work together to address concerns over privacy and security while leveraging AI to reduce inequality and promote shared prosperity.
'Technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly,' he remarked.
Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé also weighed in on the discourse, emphasising the need for Africa to safeguard its strategic assets in the AI era. He highlighted the continent's wealth of resources, including a youthful population, rich genomic and cultural data, and critical rare minerals essential for AI development.
Gnassingbé warned that these assets would become highly sought after by external entities, underscoring the importance of ethical governance and inclusion. He urged African nations to take proactive steps in structuring, valuing, and protecting their data to prevent exploitation.
'The temptation for external entities to exploit these resources without ethics and inclusion will be immense,' he said, calling for a concerted effort to ensure Africa maximises the benefits of its unique advantages in the global AI landscape.
The two-day summit brings together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI's role in shaping the continent's future.
Other high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
