United States and African Nations Bolster AI Cooperation at Lagos Summit | Arabian Weekly

A major step toward fostering inclusive technological growth in Africa was taken as the United States and African nations jointly convened the 2024 Pan-African AI Conference in Lagos, Nigeria. This event, which drew delegates from over 30 African countries, saw tech leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs converge to address the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent. Held in one of Africa’s most dynamic tech hubs, the conference underscored the continent’s potential to play a critical role in the global AI landscape.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, opened the conference with a call for a human-centered approach to AI development, stressing the need for inclusivity and collaboration. His announcement of a $61,000 fund aimed at supporting local AI startups marked a strong commitment to advancing AI innovation within the country, with Lagos, often dubbed Africa’s “Silicon Valley,” providing the backdrop for these ambitious plans.

Central to the conference discussions was the need for an enabling framework to ensure that AI development is both safe and innovative. Dr. Seth Center, Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology from the United States, emphasized the dual challenge of establishing governance frameworks that inspire public confidence while simultaneously encouraging private sector investments in AI infrastructure across Africa. As Africa positions itself to harness the transformative power of AI, the continent’s collaboration with global partners like the United States remains crucial in navigating the complex technological future.