The Africa Artificial Intelligence Summit (AAIS) 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, has brought together leading global minds in technology, policy, and innovation to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent.
Organized by Jjengo Tech Ltd and CEED Uganda, the two-day summit has drawn technologists, government leaders, AI researchers, and innovators from around the world to explore how Africa can harness the transformative power of AI across key sectors such as health, finance, and education.
The summit also tackles urgent questions about AI ethics, governance, and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Catherine Muraga, Managing Director and Engineering Director at Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC), underscored the speed and scale of AI’s evolution in recent years.
“From a technology perspective, we have witnessed decades compressed into less than three years,” she said. “If you look at the time it took to shift from steam to electricity—over 50 years—and compare that to the rapid rise of generative AI like ChatGPT, it’s clear we are in a different era.”
Muraga emphasized that AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa’s economic growth and societal resilience, citing a recent African Union report that estimates the continent’s AI potential could contribute up to $1.5 trillion—roughly 6% of Africa’s GDP.
“With Africa’s young, tech-savvy population expected to account for a fifth of global consumers, we are uniquely positioned to lead—not just consume—AI innovation,” Muraga added. “But this will only happen if we develop our talent and infrastructure intentionally.”
She urged African governments, educators, and businesses to re-engineer school curriculums to improve AI literacy from an early age and equip young people with the skills needed to lead in the global AI space.
Echoing this sentiment, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo called for AI discussions to move beyond elite circles and into communities where the technology can make tangible impact.
“Real change happens when AI conversations reach ordinary people. If we keep these discussions confined to labs and boardrooms, we miss the true opportunity to transform lives,” Nyombi said.
“Yes, the challenges are enormous, but we must not be intimidated. Big problems are solved intentionally—one bite at a time.”
Now an annual event held every May, the Africa Artificial Intelligence Summit aims to position the continent at the forefront of global AI dialogue. This year’s theme focuses on “AI for African Innovation,” reflecting the summit’s core mission to amplify African perspectives, strategies, and solutions in a rapidly advancing digital age.
With a mix of panels, workshops, and keynote sessions, the summit is expected to conclude with a communique outlining actionable recommendations for governments, tech companies, and educational institutions to accelerate Africa’s AI journey.