KIGALI, Rwanda – Africa clearly demonstrated its digital ambitions on April 3rd and 4th, 2025, in Kigali, during a groundbreaking first-ever global AI Summit that could well mark a decisive turning point for the continent. Far from being just an event, this high-level gathering, orchestrated in partnership with the World Economic Forum, highlighted an Africa determined not to miss the boat on artificial intelligence.The figures speak for themselves: with a potential economic impact exceeding $2.9 trillion by 2030, AI is not an option, but a necessity for African growth and development. Faced with this colossal stake, a collective awareness is emerging, translating into the development of national strategies and, more significantly, a continental will to coordinate efforts.
An African AI Council to harmonize ambitions
The creation of the brand-new African Council on Artificial Intelligence, unveiled at this historic summit, is the most tangible proof of this. Initiated by Smart Africa, an alliance of around forty African nations committed to digital transformation, this council will have the crucial mission of structuring the continental approach to AI. On the agenda: building robust digital infrastructures, with a particular focus on data centers, and massive investment in developing local AI skills.This initiative follows on from the African Union’s ambitious five-year plan for AI, the first phase of which, running until 2026, aims to establish solid governance and mobilize the necessary funds. The announcement of an African AI Fund, although its modalities have yet to be specified, demonstrates this desire to move from words to action.
Digital sovereignty: Africa no longer wants to lag behind
Beyond purely economic and strategic aspects, the burning issue of digital sovereignty emerged as a central focus of discussions. The observation is stark: Africa currently stores only 2% of the data it produces. A state of digital dependence that Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé firmly denounced, calling for awareness and concerted action to reverse this trend.But AI is not just about figures and macroeconomic strategies. It offers concrete and promising solutions in vital sectors for the continent. The integration of AI into agriculture, a sector with immense potential according to Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary of the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation, is a striking example.The Kigali summit, held on April 3rd and 4th, 2025, is not an end in itself, but rather the starting point of a new era for Africa. A continent that, strong in its youth and dynamism, fully intends to take its place in the global artificial intelligence revolution. It remains to translate these ambitions into concrete actions so that the “Kigali launchpad” truly propels Africa towards a sovereign and prosperous digital future.
