April 2, 2025 | 
Kigali Marriott Hotel, Rwanda
AFRICA AI COLLOQUIUM 2025
Africa is at a pivotal moment in its AI journey. To harness AI’s potential for economic growth, public service enhancement, and sustainable development, Qhala, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Masakhane, SmartAfrica, Rwanda Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace are convening 100 AI researchers from across Africa and the diaspora for a dedicated AI Research Colloquium.
Why Attend?
This 2 day event will provide a better platform to
Engage in High-Level Discussions on Africa’s AI Agenda
Gain insights from top AI researchers and policymakers as they explore the opportunities and challenges shaping AI adoption across the continent. Discussions will focus on how AI can drive economic growth, enhance public services, and address Africa’s most pressing development needs.
Deep Dive into the Five Core Pillars of Africa’s AI Strategy
Explore the foundational elements—Data, Compute, Talent, Markets, and Governance—that will guide AI policy and infrastructure development. Experts will examine strategies for building ethical AI systems, fostering local innovation, and ensuring equitable access to AI resources.
Define Research Frameworks to Guide Africa’s AI Scientific Panel
Contribute to the formation of an evidence-based research agenda that will inform the work of the Africa AI Scientific Panel. The panel will play a key role in advising governments, institutions, and the private sector on AI governance, ethical standards, and best practices tailored to Africa’s unique context.
Speakers
Professor Anicia Peters
Dr Melissa Omino LLD
Prof. Thierry Tambe
Dr. Tayo Oguntebi
Dr. Abeba Birhane
Karim Beguir
Dr. Lawrence Nderu
Dr. Melody Musoni
Prof. Conrad Tucker
Aligning with the AI Council
The insights from this Colloquium will play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s AI landscape by laying the foundation for the Africa AI Scientific Panel. This panel will serve as an independent advisory body, providing research-driven recommendations to guide the Africa AI Council in its mission to foster responsible AI development across the continent.
The Scientific Panel will focus on four key areas:
AI Infrastructure
Establishing ethical data-sharing frameworks, enhancing computational capacity, and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies for researchers, businesses, and public institutions.
AI Talent
Expanding AI education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce, supporting AI research initiatives, and fostering mentorship opportunities to nurture the next generation of African AI leaders.
Market Growth
Strengthening the AI startup ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurship, facilitating investments, and encouraging cross-border collaborations to scale AI-driven businesses.
AI Governance
Developing policy recommendations and regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI development aligns with Africa’s socio-economic priorities, ethical considerations, and global best practices.
Next Steps
Join us in shaping Africa’s AI future! Stay tuned for:
Official Launch of the Africa AI Scientific Panel
A dedicated research body providing expert guidance on AI governance, ethics, and innovation in Africa.
Publication of Research Priorities & Policy Frameworks
Key insights and recommendations to drive AI development, talent growth, and market readiness.
Ongoing Engagement with AI Hubs, Universities, and Industry Partners
Building a collaborative ecosystem to advance AI research, capacity-building, and responsible adoption across Africa.
Be part of the conversation that will shape Africa’s AI strategy!
Register your interest