Shaping Africa’s AI governance Future: Side event to the Global AI Summit on Africa
On April 2, 2025, the Center for Law and Innovation hosted “Shaping Africa’s AI Governance Future,” an official side event leading to the Global AI Summit on Africa. Held at Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda, the event convened government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on translating AI governance recommendations into context-specific, actionable frameworks for the continent.
In her opening remarks, Isobel Acquah, Executive Director at the Center for Law and Innovation, drew on Charles Dickens’ famous words “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” to frame the dual nature of the AI era. She highlighted how AI brings both tremendous opportunity and considerable risk, and stressed the vital role of governance in navigating both. Esther Kunda, Director General at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, underscored the importance of adaptive governance approaches that allow space for innovation, given the rapid pace of technological change.
Akua Gyekye, Government Affairs Director for Africa at Microsoft, emphasized that while policy development is necessary, implementation remains the key challenge. She advocated for governance that reflects Africa’s unique context and prioritizes effectiveness. Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor at Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice, added that bridging the gap between regulators and developers is essential to ensure that AI regulation does not hinder innovation but instead promotes responsible development. Dumisani Sondlo, Acting Director at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, further emphasized that AI governance must be inclusive, involving academia, civil society, and the private sector in shaping policy.
The event also featured the launch of two key publications. Dr. Fola Adeleke of the Global Center on AI Governance presented findings from a landscape report highlighting growing investment in Africa’s AI sector alongside persistent challenges related to ethics and fair compensation. Arnold Kabatsi, Program Associate at Certa Foundation, introduced the second edition of the State of AI Regulation in Africa report, which offers critical insights into regulatory developments and recommendations for building inclusive, ethical, and African-led AI governance frameworks.
In a dedicated panel session on building AI capacity for regulators and policymakers, speakers addressed the widening gap between the pace of AI innovation and the capacity of governments to respond effectively. Dumisani Sondlo called for experiential learning opportunities and advocated for co-designed policy approaches rooted in local values. Michael Butera highlighted the importance of localized AI tools, early integration of AI ethics in education, and real-time engagement between developers and policymakers. Both speakers agreed on the need for cross-border knowledge exchange, sustainable funding mechanisms, and stronger regional cooperation to institutionalize AI governance in Africa.
The event concluded with a shared understanding that shaping Africa’s AI governance future requires collaboration across sectors, a shift in mindset among policymakers, and capacity-building initiatives that reflect African realities. The Center for Law and Innovation extends its gratitude to all partners, including the Global Network of Centers, the Global Center on AI Governance, and the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, for their support in advancing responsible AI governance across the continent.