UPDATE — JULY 2025: Since the April 2024 high-level meetings in Addis Ababa, the G7 Italian Presidency and UNDP have advanced their AI collaboration with Africa. They reaffirmed their commitment to responsible and equitable AI deployment through public-private partnerships and multilateral dialogue.
As of 2025, the AI Hub for Sustainable Development remains a central initiative in progress. Stakeholder consultations have continued, aligning with Africa’s growing AI strategy landscape. This includes the African Union’s draft AI Strategy and efforts to expand regional capacity in data infrastructure, talent, and governance.
The G7 also restated its global AI priorities at the 2025 Kananaskis Summit. Leaders emphasized innovation, SME adoption, and international cooperation, especially with emerging economies. Therefore, the focus has shifted from broad principles to practical, implementation-driven AI deployment, while still maintaining ethical guardrails.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
G7 and UNDP Forge Alliance to Advance AI for Sustainable Development in Africa
In a concerted effort to harness the potential of AI for sustainable development in Africa, the G7 Italian Presidency, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently concluded a series of high-level meetings with key stakeholders on April 15. The gatherings, held in Addis Ababa over two days, aimed to bolster collaboration on AI and address challenges related to equitable access to this transformative technology. The meetings, which involved African Union (AU) senior officials, African Ambassadors to the AU, the European Union Special Representative to the African Union, and representatives from the private sector, resulted in a reaffirmed commitment to strengthening cooperation on AI for sustainable development.
This initiative builds on the momentum generated by the G7 ministers’ consensus reached in Verona, Italy, on March 14. During the Verona meeting, led by Italy, participants recognized the critical need for collaborative efforts between G7 nations and developing countries to advance AI initiatives. Partnering with UNDP, the G7 Italian Presidency initiated this multi-stakeholder engagement to enhance local AI ecosystems, promote democratization of computing power, and foster responsible AI development.
Sustainable Development Goals
Central to the Addis Ababa meetings was the role of AI in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants discussed strategies to use AI responsibly while promoting growth across Africa. For example, AU Commission Director General Fathallah Sijilmassi and UNDP officials stressed the need to equip member states with frameworks for ethical AI adoption. Meanwhile, consultations at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa reinforced the importance of empowering governments with technical tools and guidance.
Furthermore, several ambassadors contributed to the dialogue. These included Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator; Jainaba Jagne, Ambassador of the Gambia to the AU; Javier Niño Pérez, EU Ambassador to the AU; and Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Their engagement demonstrated the broad political support for responsible AI governance.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
Vincenzo Del Monaco, Industry Working Group Co-Chair and Minister Plenipotentiary, led the G7 Italian Presidency delegation. He reaffirmed the G7’s focus on addressing Africa’s infrastructure challenges in AI development. According to Del Monaco, the proposed AI Hub for Sustainable Development aims to spark systemic change and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. In addition, it will serve as a collaborative space for industry, academia, and start-ups.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the G7 Italian Presidency and UNDP will continue their engagement with African leaders. Together, they plan to co-design the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, an initiative that could drive innovation while supporting the SDGs. As a result, Africa and its partners may achieve both sustainable growth and a stronger position in the global AI economy.
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