Smart Africa endorses Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for sustainable development

At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2025, Smart Africa stood alongside global leaders in a landmark commitment to ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) by endorsing the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This pivotal agreement reinforces the critical role of AI as a tool for equity, rather than inequality, in driving sustainable progress worldwide. 

Smart Africa’s CEO, Lacina Koné, emphasized that responsibly governed AI has the potential to become one of the most powerful equalizers of our time but only if it remains inclusive, human-centered, and truly representative of diverse global perspectives. "AI can be the great equalizer, but only if it is ethical, inclusive, and co-created," Koné stated. "Africa is not a bystander in this technological revolution; we are actively shaping the future." 

The Hamburg Declaration underscores the necessity of ensuring that AI development and deployment align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. By endorsing this framework, Smart Africa reaffirms its commitment to fostering an AI ecosystem that benefits all nations, particularly emerging economies that have historically been underrepresented in global tech governance. 

The declaration marks a significant milestone in Africa’s growing influence in the global digital landscape. As a continent with a rapidly expanding tech-savvy population, Africa brings unique insights and innovations to the AI discourse. Smart Africa’s endorsement signals a collective push to ensure that AI policies and solutions are not only designed for Africa but also with Africa, integrating local knowledge and addressing regional challenges. 

Koné, who also serves as a member of the United Nations Broadband Commission (BBCOM), highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving these goals. Partnerships between governments, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society will be crucial in embedding ethical considerations into AI development while harnessing its potential to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. 

The Hamburg Declaration serves as both a commitment and a call to action. It urges nations and organizations to prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability in AI innovation. For Africa, this means ensuring that AI-driven solutions empower communities, bridge digital divides, and create opportunities rather than exacerbate disparities. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye