Why young people will shape Africa's AI future

By 2035, more young people from Africa will be entering the workforce each year than from the rest of the world's countries combined. Such a demographic surge presents the opportunity to drive increased productivity and foster inclusive economic growth across the continent.​

In particular, Africa's vibrant, youthful workforce uniquely positions the continent to influence artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance. And as this booming industry continues to grow, young Africans should have a say in how it develops and the standards that govern its future.

This energy was showcased at a World Economic Forum C4IR Global AI Summit in Kigali, Rwanda on 3-4 April 2025. The event not only showcased Africa's burgeoning role in AI, but also set the stage for deeper discussions at the upcoming 2025 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual Meeting in Kigali this October. AI is a top concern for the international standards-setting body, which is working to establish guidance for organizations on how to develop trustworthy AI management systems.

With over 1,000 participants from more than 95 countries and over 100 AI enterprises represented, the C4IR Global AI Summit brought together heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, innovators and academics to discuss shaping Africa’s role in the future of AI development.

A key takeaway came from the opening message by the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame: "To lead on AI and fully leverage its benefits," he said, "Africa must first prioritize digital infrastructure, build the continent’s workforce to meet the market demands and fast-track the continental integration."

And during one of the summit’s key panel sessions, AI Governance and Africa’s Positioning Within the Global Context, Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, shared insights into the country’s strategic reforms aimed at fostering a thriving technology ecosystem. She emphasized that Rwanda is actively implementing business-friendly reforms to position itself as the most attractive environment for investment and innovation in Africa.

Africa's diverse perspectives are crucial to shaping global AI standards. In total, a quarter of ISO members from African countries are participating in this effort. This will strengthen the region's position as an influencer of AI development on the global stage.​

Alongside this, a $60 billion AI fund launched at the event by African countries and international partners will aim to mobilize resources to develop critical AI infrastructure in Africa, including compute power, talent development and energy. This will lay the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive AI future in Africa.

Unlocking the full potential of AI requires collective action. From governments and industry to academia and civil society, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential to ensure that AI is developed responsibly, addresses socio-technical challenges and delivers real-world benefits for all.

Africa is already showing the way. The Smart Africa Alliance unites 40 countries to accelerate sustainable development through ICT. It is positioning the continent not just as a participant, but as a shaper of the global digital economy.

Another major milestone on this journey came at the Kigali summit, where the Government of Rwanda and the Gates Foundation agreed to launch Africa’s first AI scaling hub. Backed by $7.5 million over three years, the initiative, led by Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation and hosted by C4IR Rwanda, will scale up AI solutions across healthcare, agriculture and education.

Other upcoming events around the world – including International AI Standards Day at AI for Good in Geneva in July 2025 and the International AI Standards Summit in Seoul this December – will continue these critical conversations. Such events aim to align AI innovation with global development goals, while also grounding progress in inclusivity, transparency and trust.

As AI reshapes the global landscape, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead in shaping its governance and standards. By actively participating in the ISO’s work, Rwanda – through the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) – is making Africa’s voice heard and ensuring its realities are reflected in fast-evolving global AI standards.

But it is Africa’s dynamic youth that will be at the forefront of this transformation. And their presence at high-level dialogues like the recent Kigali Summit demonstrates a readiness to innovate to solve AI challenges. This is Africa’s moment to design AI ecosystems that are inclusive and empowering.

The 2025 ISO Annual Meeting in Kigali this October offers another global platform to elevate African leadership on AI. It’s a chance to ensure that international standards reflect local priorities and that the path forward is shaped by those closest to the challenges and the opportunities of AI.

Africa is not waiting. It is leading.