Kigali: A two-day Global AI Summit on Africa began Thursday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed leading figures on the continent, including Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingb©, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya's prime cabinet secretary.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kagame emphasized the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary innovations, while expressing concern that geopolitical competition is overshadowing the rise of this new technology. He highlighted the concentration of technological development in a few countries and stressed that Africa must not be left behind, urging the continent to adapt, cooperate, compete, and integrate for its best interest.

Kagame expressed gratitude to organizations such as the AU, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their efforts in establishing the Africa AI Council. He pointed out that Africa already possesses skilled professionals in fields such as data science, engineering, and cybersecurity, and expressed optimism that Africans will soon lead the global workforce growth.

Addressing concerns surrounding AI, particularly regarding privacy and safety, Kagame emphasized that technology should be a positive force and must be used responsibly. He conveyed confidence in the continent's ability to work together to harness AI for global benefit, advocating for collaboration without allowing AI to influence politics, diplomacy, or cooperation.