Kigali became a hub for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) on August 20, 2025, as the Canadian High Commission in Rwanda, IDRC, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) co-hosted a high-level roundtable alongside the annual Deep Learning Indaba, Africa’s premier gathering of machine learning and AI experts.
The event spotlighted African-led AI innovations supported by Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D), a five-year partnership between IDRC and FCDO. It also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing AI that is inclusive, ethical, and tailored to local development needs. Participants included leaders from international agencies, academia, philanthropies, and the private sector, all focused on shaping AI to serve African communities.
Canadian Ambassador Julie Crowley hailed AI4D’s value-driven approach, praising its ability to unite researchers, innovators, and policymakers across the continent. “AI4D consistently brings together a broad range of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and creating synergies. Its convening power is truly inspiring,” she said.
Discussions centered on building robust African AI ecosystems by strengthening community engagement, aligning policy frameworks, and nurturing local talent. IDRC-backed researchers highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships to ensure AI models remain relevant to Africa’s unique challenges.
Presentations showcased cutting-edge AI labs driving change across the continent, including Rwanda’s Transformative AI Research and Innovation Lab, Ghana’s Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), and Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development Goals Lab. These centers are training the next generation of African AI researchers while advancing solutions for sustainable development.
The African Union Development Agency also shared key updates on AI policy development, with AI4D playing a pivotal role in shaping responsible regulatory frameworks.
By uniting global partners and African innovators, the Kigali roundtable underscored a powerful message: Africa is not just adopting AI—it’s shaping it for an equitable and sustainable future.
