African nations collaborations in AI key to unlocking its potential for prosperity – Panelists

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2025 (FMC) — Panelists underscored the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration to unlock AI’s full potential for Africa’s destiny.

A high-level policy dialogue on collaborative strategies for Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Africa took place today as part of the #EthiopianTechExpo2025 in Addis Ababa.

The discussion themed “Leveraging AI for Africa’s Prosperity and Collaboration” brought together high-ranking officials and experts to address the continent’s evolving AI landscape and explore collaborative strategies to ensure Africa’s active participation in the AI revolution.

At the panel discussion, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos emphasized the importance of African countries to become active participants in AI research, development, and innovation.

Noting the importance of realizing how critical AI is, he said “AI is not a fad. It’s not a buzzword. It is something that is going to determine our destiny as human beings for the coming future.”

Gedion added “It requires a whole government approach. This is the next industrial revolution. It’s already unraveling. We can’t afford to miss this train. We need to be on board. We need to drive it.”

The minister also urged African countries to engage in discussion about AI governance, stressing that platforms like the Tech Expo were crucial for uniting the continent’s efforts and forming a collective stance on AI regulations and policies.

He underscored that collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as across countries, is crucial, emphasizing that it is key to progress.

“When we bring together our knowledge, skills, and human resources, and foster synergy among African nations, I believe we can achieve something truly significant. Without collaboration facilitated by platforms like this, we won’t be able to move forward, ” Foreign Minister Gedion pointed out.

Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union, Lerato Mataboge outlined the AU’s AI strategy, emphasizing that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality for many African businesses and citizens.

“There are many companies and SMEs already leveraging AI across the continent. The starting point is to recognize that our economies are already engaged with AI, and many of our citizens are actively participating in the AI revolution,” Mataboge stated.

Mataboge also acknowledged significant challenges in AI adoption, including the continent’s digital infrastructure deficit and the ongoing AI skills gap.

She further stressed “To truly leapfrog into the AI-driven era, we must invest in our digital infrastructure and ensure that African citizens have the skills to engage with AI technologies.”

Moreover, she pointed out that retaining skilled professionals is a major hurdle, with many African nations facing substantial brain drain.

“We must create strategic pathways for retaining talent, fostering skills development, and localizing AI technologies to reflect African realities,” Mataboge added.

Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Fonteh Akum stressed the interconnectedness of AI and infrastructure.
He mentioned that it is extremely difficult to discuss frameworks in isolation without considering how AI links and bridges both old and new infrastructures.

“We need power grids; we need broadband, the funding that drives that, despite the fact that Africa has the human capital to drive it already, ” the executive director noted.

Akum called for a comprehensive approach to building both physical and digital infrastructures to support the AI ecosystem across Africa, ENA reported.

He also highlighted the need for a governance framework that prioritizes ethical AI use, human control over technology, and data sovereignty.

He called on African countries to ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate existing inequalities but rather becomes a tool to bridge gaps in development, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and governance.