Egypt calls for unified African vision on AI at Africa Forward Summit

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hendy, has participated in high-level discussions on artificial intelligence and digital technologies during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together African leaders, senior government officials, international institutions, and private sector representatives to discuss economic growth, digital transformation, energy, and global financial reform.

Hendy took part in a roundtable focused on strengthening strategic cooperation between Africa and France to support the development of sustainable and resilient AI ecosystems across the continent. Discussions centered on expanding digital and computing infrastructure, strengthening research and innovation ecosystems, and promoting ethical and responsible AI governance.

In his remarks, the Egyptian ICT Minister described artificial intelligence as a key driver of global competitiveness and economic transformation, noting that AI has become closely linked to digital sovereignty and national development.

He stressed the importance of building Africa’s AI future on a unified continental vision supported by balanced partnerships and equitable access to advanced digital infrastructure. Hendy also reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with African countries to advance inclusive AI development aligned with local priorities.

The minister highlighted Kenya’s growing role as a regional hub for digital innovation and noted the increasing momentum across Africa in developing AI governance frameworks and innovation ecosystems. He pointed to the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, adopted in 2024, as a major milestone in shaping a common African approach to artificial intelligence.

Hendy said Africa’s main challenge lies not in the shortage of talent, but in limited access to computational infrastructure and reliance on technologies developed outside the continent. He outlined Egypt’s efforts to establish a national framework for responsible AI and invest in scalable digital infrastructure, including the development of the Arabic large language model “Karnak.”

He also highlighted Egypt’s use of AI in education, healthcare, and government services, adding that the country’s progress contributed to its improved ranking on the Government AI Readiness Index 2025, where it rose 14 places to rank 51st globally.

The minister further emphasized the need for integrated African innovation ecosystems that bring together governments, universities, private sector actors, and entrepreneurs while investing in the continent’s youth as a driver of future growth.