AI, Innovation and Technology

Harnessing AI and Technology for Africa’s Transformation: Innovation, Inclusion, and Ethical Futures

This panel will delve into the transformative potential of AI and emerging technologies in driving Africa’s development across sectors such as education, healthcare, governance, and agriculture. It will explore how technology can address systemic challenges, foster innovation, and create inclusive opportunities while ensuring ethical considerations and equitable access. Discussions will highlight both the benefits—such as improved efficiency, access to services, and the promotion of African-led tech innovations—and the challenges, including ethical concerns, job displacement, data privacy issues, and the risk of exacerbating inequalities. Emphasis will be placed on data sovereignty, the prevention of digital divides, and frameworks to safeguard against exploitation, ensuring equitable access and ethical implementation. The workshop will also address the prevailing notion that Western or Asian technological models are best suited to meet Africa’s needs, while exploring how uniquely African approaches can shape a future where technology empowers all Africans