TLDR: Smart Africa, an alliance of 40 African nations, has officially launched the Africa AI Council to spearhead the continent’s artificial intelligence strategy. The council aims to foster AI adoption, innovation, and policy development, with a public call for nominations currently underway, closing on September 12, 2025. This initiative is set to position Africa as a key player in the global AI landscape, leveraging AI for economic growth and inclusive development.
Smart Africa, a prominent alliance comprising 40 African countries dedicated to advancing the continent’s digital agenda, has taken a significant step by officially launching the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council. This new multi-stakeholder, African-led advisory body is tasked with guiding national and regional AI strategies, shaping policy frameworks, and mobilizing investments to accelerate AI development across Africa. The establishment of the council was endorsed during the 20th Steering Committee Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a critical milestone in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
The Africa AI Council’s primary mission is to drive AI adoption and innovation, ensuring that AI technologies are leveraged to benefit all sectors of society and support inclusive growth. It will focus on continental coordination across several key areas, including AI computing infrastructure, data infrastructure development, skills enhancement, market use cases, and governance policies. The council also plans to establish thematic working groups covering Infrastructure, Talent, Data, and Market to address specific challenges and opportunities.
Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The establishment of the Africa AI Council is a defining moment for the continent’s digital future. These decisions reflect our collective ambition to build an inclusive and resilient digital Africa.” He further added, “This initiative reflects Africa’s ambition to shape its own digital destiny. By drawing from a rich pool of African expertise, the Africa AI Council will ensure AI development aligns with our unique needs and aspirations.”
The launch comes as Africa undergoes a rapid digital transformation, with the continent strategically positioning itself to harness the immense opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Experts project that AI could contribute an additional $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, representing a 3% increase in annual GDP. The council aims to address existing challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, a limited skilled workforce, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks and data privacy measures.
Also Read:
- Indonesia Establishes Ethical Oversight for AI Development
- North Carolina Establishes AI Leadership Council and Accelerator to Guide State’s AI Strategy
To ensure a diverse and representative composition, Smart Africa initiated a public call for nominations for individuals to serve as members of the Africa AI Council and its Thematic Working Groups. The nomination period opened on August 20, 2025, and is set to close on Friday, September 12, 2025. Nominated experts are expected to possess leading expertise across various fields relevant to AI, including government, industry, civil society, and academia. Final appointments will be announced through Smart Africa’s official channels.
