In a historic move to shape the continent’s digital future, African leaders convened in Kigali, Rwanda in April to sign the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence. The declaration, endorsed by all 55 African Union (AU) member states and Smart Africa, sets a continental vision for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development, backed by a proposed $60 billion Africa AI Fund.

The declaration outlines seven key areas of commitment, including talent development, open data frameworks, AI infrastructure, market incubation, responsible governance, investment, and institutional cooperation. It aims to position Africa as a global leader in ethical and inclusive AI while ensuring that the technology serves the continent’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts.

A cornerstone of the agreement is the launch of the Africa AI Fund, designed to attract public, private, and philanthropic investment. The fund will support the development of sovereign AI infrastructure, scale African startups, build research capacity, and ensure AI is used to advance health, education, climate resilience, and other development goals.

The declaration emphasizes data sovereignty and proposes the creation of African-controlled open datasets and interoperable models in critical sectors. It also endorses the formation of an African AI Scientific Panel and an Africa AI Council to drive research, governance, and cross-border collaboration.

“Artificial Intelligence offers immense promise, but without deliberate strategy and investment, Africa risks being left behind,” the declaration warns. “This collective commitment ensures that AI innovation aligns with Africa’s values, priorities, and development ambitions.”

The Kigali gathering follows global AI summits in Bletchley Park, Seoul, and Paris, and builds on regional strategies such as the AU Continental AI Strategy and the Smart Africa “AI for Africa” Blueprint. It also aligns with Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

By establishing shared principles, investing in local ecosystems, and advocating for global equity in AI development, the declaration signals a bold new era for Africa’s digital transformation.

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