African countries have launched a $60 billion fund to support the development and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent. The announcement was made during the Global AI Summit on Africa, held in Kigali.
The fund is part of the newly launched Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, a joint commitment signed by 54 signatories, including the African Union.
The Declaration outlines plans to invest in digital infrastructure, support AI research, protect data sovereignty, and promote responsible innovation.
The initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation and facilitated by Qhala, Smart Africa, and Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director at the Gates Foundation, said the fund would help countries adopt and expand AI technologies that improve services in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
“Africa’s digital transformation must be shaped by African priorities, talent, and leadership,” Basinga said.
The Summit also saw the endorsement of the Africa AI Council, a new body that will guide AI policy and governance across the continent.
Its operational roadmap will be presented at the Transform Africa Summit later this year.
Over 20 African leaders and ministers attended the event, including President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as officials from the African Union and various ICT ministries.
Qhala CEO Dr. Shikoh Gitau said the fund and declaration mark a major step forward for Africa’s digital future.
“This is a milestone in shaping Africa’s AI governance and innovation landscape,” Gitau said.
The Summit also hosted the 2025 AI Research Colloquium, where over 100 researchers gathered to discuss key pillars of AI development: data, computing power, talent, markets, and governance.
The event endorsed the creation of an Africa Scientific Panel to guide research and ecosystem development.
Qhala also partnered with AfCFTA and Google to hold a Digital Trade and Regulatory Sandbox Workshop, bringing together policymakers and tech experts to explore how AI can support trade, health, and finance.
According to current estimates, AI could contribute $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030.
The fund is expected to drive investment, create jobs, and reduce the continent’s dependence on foreign technology.
The Africa AI Declaration and the new fund are seen as key steps toward ensuring Africa plays a leading role in the global AI landscape.
