Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has revealed that artificial intelligence could contribute as much as 5% to the country’s GDP, transforming key sectors like education and agriculture as Africa pushes to strengthen its position in the global AI race.
Speaking at the Transform Africa Summit in Guinea Conakry, Kagame noted that Rwanda has already set the foundation by adopting a national AI policy aimed at guiding responsible innovation and aligning new technologies with national priorities.
He said the policy will help channel AI-driven expertise and innovation into areas with the highest impact.
Kagame recalled that the Transform Africa Summit, first held in Kigali more than ten years ago, helped ignite a continent-wide push for broadband expansion and digital infrastructure.
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That momentum later led to the creation of the Smart Africa Alliance, a 42-member coalition focused on accelerating Africa’s digital integration. But he warned that today’s rapidly evolving technologies require even stronger commitment and faster implementation.
He argued that Africa’s competitiveness will depend on deploying AI in ways that reflect local realities and needs, highlighting the continent’s young population as a strategic advantage.
Still, he acknowledged that gaps in infrastructure, skills, and research remain significant, calling for deeper collaboration between governments and private-sector players to close these deficits.
Kagame also addressed global concerns about AI’s risks—from job displacement to privacy and safety. While some worries are legitimate, he said many stem from uncertainty rather than evidence.
He emphasised that technology has consistently driven progress and that AI should be viewed as a tool for creativity, productivity, and long-term development.
Lacina Koné, Director General of Smart Africa, echoed Kagame’s stance, describing artificial intelligence as an opportunity for Africa to rethink its development pathways through local talent and innovation.
He said the continent must ensure AI serves citizens and contributes to building an inclusive and competitive digital ecosystem.
