African leaders have unveiled the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, a landmark agreement aimed at aligning national AI strategies with continental goals, safeguarding data sovereignty, and fostering sustainable innovation.
Launched during the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, the Declaration is supported by the Gates Foundation and backed by 54 signatories, including the African Union.
The initiative also announced the establishment of a $60 billion Africa AI Fund and the creation of the Africa AI Council. The Council, endorsed in principle at the Summit, will bring together public and private sector stakeholders to accelerate AI governance, policy development, and cross-border collaboration. Its operational roadmap will be unveiled at the Transform Africa Summit 2025.
Over 20 African leaders attended the launch, emphasizing the need for inclusive and ethical AI systems that reflect the continent’s values and drive socioeconomic development.
“The launch of the Africa Declaration of Artificial Intelligence marks a milestone in shaping Africa’s AI governance and innovation landscape,” said Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, a key facilitator of the Declaration.
“This will ensure that Africa takes its place in a leadership role in global AI development.”
The Summit also featured the 2025 AI Research Colloquium, which convened over 100 top AI researchers to explore foundational pillars of AI, including data, compute, talent, markets, and governance.
Additionally, Qhala hosted a Digital Trade and Regulatory Sandbox Workshop with policymakers and industry leaders to discuss scalable solutions in AI, healthcare, and cross-border trade.
H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, AUC Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, highlighted AI’s potential to accelerate Agenda 2063 and solve critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director at the Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of African leadership in shaping the continent’s digital transformation. “The Africa AI Council is a bold and necessary platform to ensure AI serves the continent’s development goals,” he said.
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, added, “AI is not just technology to us, it’s an African arrow that, when thrown with the right ethical frameworks and inclusive policies, can pierce the way to African digital prosperity and resilience for the benefit of every citizen.”
By 2030, AI is projected to contribute $2.9 trillion to the African economy. The formation of the Africa AI Council aims to boost the continent’s competitiveness and foster inclusive growth, positioning Africa as a major driver in the global AI revolution.
