AfDB, Google lead charge in Africa’s AI revolution and digital future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage at the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings, as the Bank and Google AI Research co-hosted a high-level session exploring AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s development.
Held under the theme ‘The AI Revolution: How Will AI Support the Delivery of the African Development Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy and the Transformation of African Economies,’ the event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to tackle one of the continent’s most pressing questions: What will it take for Africa to become AI-ready?
Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization, set the tone in his opening address.
“AI is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for Africa’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” he stated.
Caroline Kende-Robb, the Bank’s Senior Director for Strategy and Operational Policies, emphasized the alignment between AI and the Bank’s ten-year strategy.
“Investing in youth and data infrastructure is no longer optional—these are the foundations upon which Africa must build its AI future,” she said, urging the continent to leapfrog development through innovation driven by African talent.
Panelist Abdoulaye Diack, Program Manager at Google AI Research Africa, showcased how AI could transform agriculture, healthcare, education, and climate adaptation.
“Without local data and inclusive models, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer rather than an active creator of AI solutions,” he warned.
From Côte d’Ivoire, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, called for harmonized AI policy frameworks across African nations, while Robert Skjodt, CEO of Raxio Group, underscored the urgent need for local data centers to ensure digital sovereignty and speed.
Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Director of Private Sector Transaction Support, stressed the importance of building investable, scalable digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Moustapha Cissé, CEO of Kera Health Platforms and a pioneer in African AI research, highlighted the necessity of ethical AI systems rooted in African cultural and healthcare contexts.
Concluding the discussion, Muthoni Karubiu, COO of Amini, made a strong case for environmental data sovereignty, especially to support Africa’s agriculture and climate response.
Africa’s AI future depends on three foundational pillars, human capital, digital infrastructure, and localized data. With the continent currently holding just 1.3% of global data storage capacity, speakers agreed that time is of the essence.
As Africa teeters at a digital crossroads, the African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to driving an inclusive, sovereign AI revolution that places African needs and talent at its core.
