As the global race for Artificial Intelligence (AI) supremacy intensifies, Africa has been playing catch up and watching the race from the sidelines. The United States introduced ChatGPT, setting a new benchmark in AI innovation, while China swiftly responded with DeepSeek, signalling a high-stakes technological rivalry.
The 2025 Multi-Sectoral AI Summit, hosted by JHub at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, heralded a new era for Africa, as experts issued a rallying call to urgently unlock the continent’s vast, untapped potential in AI and innovation.
According to data from United Nations Development Programme, AI could boost Africa’s economy by approximately $1.2 trillion by 2030, representing a 5.6% increase in GDP. However, experts argue that realizing this potential will require deliberate and strategic action.
Speaking at the summit on February 14, 2025, Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Chairman of JKUAT’s Department of Computing and Founder of JHUB Africa, as well as Co-Founder of the Green Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH), emphasized that Africa must not only adopt AI but also leverage it to build profitable ventures.
He stressed that AI presents an unparalleled opportunity for African entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions, drive economic growth, and establish sustainable businesses.
“Africa must take charge of its AI future by investing in talent, infrastructure, and policies that foster innovation. Beyond development, we must see AI as a pathway to building successful enterprises that address local challenges and compete globally,” said Dr. Nderu.
Dr. Nderu highlighted that the 2025 AI Summit serves as a central platform for AI thought leaders, students, innovators, researchers, and key stakeholders to collaborate, strategize, and adapt to the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem.
He underscored the importance of strengthening research, building capacity, and developing AI-driven solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs.
Simon Wachira, CEO of Chief Thinker, echoed these sentiments, noting that AI could significantly transform Africa’s economic landscape by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and creating new business opportunities.
Prof. Muliaro Wafula, Chair of the Technical Advisory Board for the African Open Science Platform, underscored the role of data in advancing AI.
He advocated for open, well-structured, and accessible data systems that fuel innovation, foster collaboration, and support evidence-based decision-making.
“For Africa to fully harness the power of AI, we must prioritize open data systems that empower researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers,” stated Prof. Wafula.
The 2025 AI Summit convened top institutions and industry leaders, including Microsoft, Bosch, Strathmore University, Kabarak University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, AI Kenya, Power Learn Project (PLP), Egerton University, Tech Innovators Network (KE), and United States International University-Africa, among others.
Beyond industry participation, the summit provided a dynamic platform for students to present their AI research and innovations across the academic and tech communities.