By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
African ICT ministers,
including Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and
Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and
Technology, joined global leaders at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial
Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in
Shanghai, China.
The high-level gathering
brought together policymakers, technology leaders and international
organisations to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, global AI
cooperation and the role of emerging technologies in driving inclusive
development.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary
for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo
Gitau, also participated in the opening ceremony, where he joined Chinese
President Xi Jinping, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and other
world leaders for discussions on shaping global approaches to artificial
intelligence governance.
The conference focused on
key issues including responsible AI development, international cooperation,
innovation, digital inclusion and ensuring that artificial intelligence
delivers benefits across economies and societies.
African participation at the
event highlighted the continent’s growing role in global AI discussions as
countries seek to develop local capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure
and ensure that AI technologies address African development priorities.
The engagement comes as
African governments continue to advocate for greater inclusion in global
technology governance, with emphasis on access to computing resources, skills
development, data infrastructure and policies that enable countries to build and
deploy AI solutions aligned with local needs.
The 2026 World Artificial
Intelligence Conference serves as a platform for governments, industry
stakeholders, researchers and international partners to exchange ideas and
explore pathways for advancing safe, inclusive and sustainable artificial
intelligence globally.
