Addis Ababa will host a high-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership Forum during the African Union (AU) Summit week, as policymakers, technology leaders and investors converge to discuss Africa’s place in the rapidly evolving global AI ecosystem. The forum is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the AU Summit in February and is expected to attract participants from across the continent and beyond.
The event is being organised by the Africa Fintech Summit in partnership with OpenAI and talent development organisation ALX.
According to the organisers, the forum aims to create a platform for strategic dialogue on how African countries can harness AI to drive economic growth, strengthen governance and build globally competitive digital economies. “This forum comes at a critical moment for Africa,” said a representative of the Africa Fintech Summit. “As AI reshapes industries worldwide, African leaders must be part of the conversation, not only as adopters of technology but as architects of policies and systems that reflect African priorities and realities.”
Hosting the forum in Addis Ababa, the African Union’s headquarters, underscores the growing importance of AI in continental policy discussions. Several African countries are currently developing national AI strategies, while others are debating regulatory frameworks to address issues such as data protection, algorithmic bias and workforce disruption.
An OpenAI spokesperson said the company’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to supporting inclusive and responsible AI development. “Africa has immense talent and potential,” the spokesperson said. “Engaging directly with policymakers, educators and entrepreneurs is essential to ensuring that AI tools are developed and deployed in ways that are safe, culturally relevant and economically empowering.”
The forum is also expected to focus on skills development and talent pipelines, particularly for young Africans seeking opportunities in emerging technology sectors. ALX, which has trained thousands of Africans in digital and technical skills, said building human capacity would be central to the discussions.
“For AI to truly benefit Africa, investment in people must come first,” an ALX representative said. “This forum provides an opportunity to align education, industry and policy so that African talent can compete and lead on the global stage.”
Participants are expected to examine both the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption, including concerns around exclusion, data misuse and unequal access to technology. Organisers said the forum would emphasise the need for ethical, transparent and inclusive approaches to AI that support Africa’s long-term development goals.
The AI Leadership Forum will take place during AU Summit week in February, joining a series of high-profile side events that traditionally accompany the annual gathering of African heads of state and government, adding to the growing focus on digital transformation and innovation across the continent.
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Addis Ababa set to host AI Leadership Forum during AU Summit week, placing artificial intelligence at the centre of Africa’s continental policy discussions
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