AI for an Africa that’s an actor, not a spectator

According to estimates drawn up at the AI Summit in Rwanda last April, artificial intelligence could be worth $2.9 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030.

But Africa can only truly benefit if it works to guarantee its digital and technological sovereignty.

For Cheikh Diba, Senegal’s Minister of Finance and Budget, AI could boost job creation and accelerate economic growth in Africa.

But Africa must do more than simply become a market for foreign technologies. “It must become an active player,” he asserted, stressing the importance of developing digital infrastructures, but also of training populations in the inclusive and beneficial use of AI.

During his first official audience, the newly-elected pope also invited Africa to build an artificial intelligence capable of responding to issues of energy, connectivity and language.

“Artificial intelligence requires a certain responsibility if it is really to serve humanity as a whole,” said Pope Leo XIV on Monday May 12.

With only 2% of data collected stored on the continent, the stakes of digital sovereignty are high.