Session Summary:_x000D_ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies (blockchain, IoT, quantum computing, etc.) are reshaping economies, governance models, and social structures globally. In Africa, these technologies offer transformative potential across sectors agriculture, health, education, finance but also raise concerns around bias, surveillance, exclusion, and data sovereignty._x000D_ Africa stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies poised to significantly enhance economic growth and development. Projections indicate that AI applications could boost Africa's economic growth by up to $2.9 trillion by 2030. _x000D_ _x000D_ Current Market Landscape_x000D_ In 2025, the AI market in Africa is projected to reach $4.51 billion. However, the continent currently represents only 2.5% of the global AI market, highlighting substantial opportunities for expansion and increased participation. _x000D_ _x000D_ Sectoral Applications_x000D_ AI applications in Africa are predominantly concentrated in:_x000D_ • Agriculture: Enhancing crop yields and managing resources. _x000D_ • Climate Action: Monitoring environmental changes and aiding in disaster response._x000D_ • Energy: Optimizing energy distribution and promoting renewable energy solutions. _x000D_ _x000D_ Challenges to Adoption_x000D_ Despite the potential, several challenges impede widespread AI adoption:_x000D_ • Digital Infrastructure: Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world's data center capacity, necessitating significant investment in digital infrastructure. _x000D_ • Skill Gaps: A 2024 survey revealed that 86% of women across 52 African countries lack basic AI proficiency, and 60% have not received digital skills training. _x000D_ • Data Availability: Limited digitization of government services and processes results in a scarcity of African-centric datasets, hindering AI development. _x000D_ _x000D_ This session explores how Africa can shape its own digital future through inclusive governance frameworks, innovation-friendly policies, and ethical AI development. Participants will discuss regulatory readiness, public-private partnerships, capacity building, and strategies to avoid digital neocolonialism._x000D_ _x000D_ Objectives:_x000D_ • Explore the current and potential impact of AI and emerging technologies in Africa._x000D_ • Assess Africa’s readiness in terms of policy, infrastructure, and skills._x000D_ • Address ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI deployment._x000D_ • Discuss models for inclusive governance and local innovation._x000D_ • Foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure equitable digital transformation._x000D_ _x000D_ Target Audience:_x000D_ • Policymakers and regulators_x000D_ • Tech entrepreneurs and developers_x000D_ • Civil society and digital rights advocates_x000D_ • Academics and researchers_x000D_ • International development agencies_x000D_ _x000D_ Proposed Speakers/Panelists:_x000D_ • Representative, African Union Commission on Digital Transformation_x000D_ • Expert on AI Ethics from an African university_x000D_ • Tech entrepreneur working on AI/ML in Africa_x000D_ • Civil society advocate focused on digital rights_x000D_ • International AI governance expert (from UNECA, UNESCO, ITU)_x000D_ _x000D_ Expected Outcomes:_x000D_ • Recommendations for AI and emerging tech governance priorities in Africa._x000D_ • Networking and coalition-building among key stakeholders._x000D_ • Inputs to regional and continental digital policy frameworks._x000D_
