UAE's Commitment To Innovation Highlighted At Global AI Summit On Africa In Rwanda

The UAE participated in the Global AI Summit on Africa, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from April 3 to 4, 2025. This involvement aligns with the UAE's vision to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and strengthen international partnerships. The summit aimed to discuss AI advancements and foster collaboration with global companies, showcasing investment opportunities in the UAE.

Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti led the UAE delegation at the summit. The event attracted over 1,000 participants from more than 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. The summit's goal was to accelerate AI innovation and align strategic policies to enhance Africa's AI capabilities for competitiveness and inclusive growth.

On the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Al Kuwaiti met with Mr. David Kanamugire, CEO of Rwanda’s National Cybersecurity Authority. They discussed enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity and digital transformation. Key areas included protecting digital infrastructure, sharing information on cyber threats, developing incident response mechanisms, and building national competencies.

The importance of data protection was highlighted due to Rwanda's shift toward AI and cloud computing. Discussions also covered joint projects by Emirati companies in cybersecurity and data analysis to boost Rwanda's digital readiness and support a safe technological environment.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti also met with Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in developing Rwanda’s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation. Both nations are committed to knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships for a tech-driven future.

Additionally, Dr. Al Kuwaiti met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU. They explored ways to harness AI technologies for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discussed preparations for the upcoming "AI for Good" event in Geneva this July.

UAE's Commitment to AI Leadership

The UAE's participation reflects its commitment to supporting innovation for a sustainable digital future. Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasised that this involvement stems from recognising the need for unified regional efforts in AI and cybersecurity. He noted that leveraging advanced technology is crucial for predicting risks through AI technologies.

The summit featured panel discussions and workshops showcasing over 100 promising AI companies in Africa. Discussions focused on harnessing AI to create economic opportunities, encourage innovation, and improve workforce skills across Africa.

The launch of the Africa AI Council was another highlight of the summit. This initiative aims to further enhance Africa's capabilities in artificial intelligence by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed that participating in such events aligns with the directives of the UAE's leadership supporting digital transformation and economic development. The focus remains on deepening international cooperation for a coordinated response to threats at different levels.

With inputs from WAM