Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame says artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute up to 5% of Rwanda’s GDP, transforming sectors such as education and agriculture, as African countries accelerate efforts to secure a place in the global AI economy.
Speaking at the Transform Africa Summit in Guinea Conakry, Kagame said Rwanda has already taken key steps to prepare for an AI-driven future through the development of a national artificial intelligence policy that outlines how the technology will be deployed responsibly and efficiently across the economy.
“Artificial intelligence is expected to contribute five per cent to our GDP, bringing innovation and expertise to education and agriculture, among other sectors,” Kagame said.
“We have laid the ground with the development of a national AI policy to guide our ambitions.”
Kagame noted that the Transform Africa Summit, first launched in Kigali more than 10 years ago, marked the beginning of a continental push toward expanding broadband access and digital infrastructure. That initiative later inspired the formation of the Smart Africa Alliance, now a 42-member coalition working to advance Africa’s digital integration agenda.
“The commitment we made at the beginning of this journey still stands,” he said.
“But today we face a more complex world where cutting-edge technologies evolve much faster.”
The president emphasized that Africa’s ability to compete globally will depend not only on how quickly it adopts new technologies but also on designing AI solutions tailored to local needs—particularly in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education and public administration.
Kagame stressed that Africa’s young and fast-growing workforce gives the continent a unique opportunity to leapfrog legacy systems and build technology solutions that respond directly to its developmental challenges.
However, he warned that persistent structural barriers—such as inadequate digital infrastructure, insufficient AI-related skills and limited research capacity—continue to hinder the continent’s progress.
“Closing this structural deficit requires closer collaboration between the public and private sectors,” he said.
Kagame also addressed global concerns surrounding AI’s impact on jobs, privacy and safety. While he acknowledged that some fears are justified, he said much of the anxiety stems from uncertainty about the technology’s long-term implications.
“Regardless of the sentiment, this new reality is here to stay,” he said.
“Science and technology have always been engines of creativity and performance. Humanity has been better for it.”
In his opening remarks, Smart Africa Director General Lacina Koné underscored the need for African-led innovation and responsible AI development.
“Artificial intelligence is more than just technology; it is an opportunity to rethink Africa’s development through our talent, creativity and realities,” Koné said.
“AI must become a tool of transformation serving African citizens. Our objective is to build an inclusive, competitive and sustainable African digital ecosystem.”
As countries across the continent expand investments in AI adoption, digital skills, and data infrastructure, Kagame’s remarks highlight a growing belief among African leaders that artificial intelligence will play a central role in shaping the continent’s next phase of economic growth.
