Speaking at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, 2025, President Kagame called for bold investments in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration to position Africa as a key player in AI innovation.
'We have to adapt, cooperate, and competeâ€"because it is in our best interest to do so. That's why we are here,' Kagame said.
'Technological development is concentrated in a few countries, and Africa cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up," he added.
AI as a force for good
While acknowledging AI's transformative potential, Kagame cautioned against the risks of allowing AI to influence political and diplomatic affairs.
'If we work togetherâ€"even in what was stated as geopolitics, diplomacy, and politicsâ€"we may drive AI to serve us well, rather than allowing AI to drive our politics, diplomacy, and cooperation,' he stated.
'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 we might also experience terrible consequences.'
Instead, Kagame urged African leaders and innovators to leverage AI for economic growth, social progress, and reducing inequalities across the continent.
The Head of State outlined three priority areas that Africa must focus on to ensure that artificial intelligence drives meaningful progress across the continent.
First, Kagame emphasized the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, highlighting that reliable high-speed internet and stable power are essential for AI deployment. He urged governments and the private sector to invest in modernizing these systems to support technological growth.
Second, Kagame highlighted the importance of building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the AI-driven economy.
'Africa needs its own data scientists, engineers, and cybersecurity experts,' he stated.
President Kagame pointed to Rwanda's efforts in establishing centers of excellence designed to equip young people with the necessary skills to participate in and shape the future of AI.
He emphasized that empowering the next generation with digital expertise is key to ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the evolving technological landscape.
Finally, he called for fast-tracking continental integration to facilitate AI development. Kagame underscored the need for harmonized AI governance frameworks that would enable African countries to work together in shaping policies and regulations.
He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among nations to accelerate innovation and investment in AI, ensuring that African entrepreneurs and businesses can scale their solutions beyond national borders.
Kagame commended the African Union, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their efforts in championing AI development on the continent. He specifically praised the establishment of the Africa AI Council, which aims to guide the continent's AI policies and strategies.
Kagame noted that Africa's young population is a major advantage in the global AI revolution.
'Africans will soon represent the majority of the growth in the global workforce,' he said, stressing the importance of equipping them with the right skills to harness AI for economic transformation.
In closing, President Kagame called for unity in ensuring AI becomes a tool for development rather than division.
'Let's remain committed to working together and driving AI to reduce inequality and allow more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver,' he urged.
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.
Some of the high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo; Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC); and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, among others.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-africa-must-compete-in-ai-not-play-catch-up
