Africa AI Council unveiled to lead continent’s artificial intelligence transformation
Date: 2025-11-25
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Smart
Africa has announced the inaugural Africa AI Council, a 15-member body
established to steer the continent’s artificial intelligence agenda and
accelerate Africa’s position as a global contributor to emerging technologies.
The Council brings together top independent AI experts and ICT ministers from
across the continent, combining technical expertise with policymaking influence
to guide coordinated AI development.
The
independent members include industry leaders from Microsoft, Google, InstaDeep,
the Gates Foundation, the University of Pretoria, and prominent African AI
innovation hubs. Their mandate is to provide strategic guidance, promote
ethical AI adoption, and strengthen Africa’s capacity to build homegrown AI
solutions.
The
Council also features ICT ministers and senior government officials from
Algeria, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Their presence is
expected to ensure strong alignment between continental AI ambitions and
national digital transformation strategies.
Smart
Africa says the formation of the Africa AI Council marks a major milestone in
establishing Africa as a creator rather than a consumer of AI technologies. The
Council will support the development of policy frameworks, talent pipelines,
research ecosystems, and private-sector collaboration, all aimed at positioning
AI as a driver of socio-economic transformation.
The
move reflects growing momentum across Africa as governments, institutions, and
technology leaders work to leverage AI in key sectors including agriculture,
health, education, finance, and public services. The Council is expected to
begin its work immediately, guiding priority initiatives under Smart Africa’s
continental digital agenda.
