Smart Africa, an alliance of 40 African countries, has launched the Africa AI Council to position the continent as a major player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) economy.
The Council includes representatives from governments, private companies, civil society, and academic institutions. Its main goal is to harness AI’s potential to create jobs, improve industries, and strengthen Africa’s digital economy. With Africa having the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce, AI offers a great opportunity to boost productivity and develop new industries.
Experts predict that AI could contribute up to $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030. By integrating AI into key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, Africa can improve efficiency and create new business opportunities. However, there is a need for skilled workers who understand AI technology in the continent. Training young people in AI will not only benefit Africa but also prepare them for global job markets.
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He described AI as an “African arrow” that, when guided by the right policies and ethical standards, can lead to digital prosperity for all citizens. He emphasized that the Council will ensure AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of everyone.
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The Council’s first 15 members will be officially introduced at the Global AI Summit on Africa. This event, organized by Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, will bring together experts to discuss Africa’s role in AI development.
To support its mission, the Council will work with Qhala, a company specializing in AI research and policy development. Qhala has secured funding from the Gates Foundation and is already working on an AI governance toolkit, a talent readiness index, and a framework for a Pan-African AI Research Center.
