The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is collaborating with the G7 Italian Presidency, along with a delegation of African private sector leaders, in a significant conference set in San Francisco. This meeting aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development within Africa. Hosted by the Italian Consul General in San Francisco, the initiative has garnered support from multiple institutions, including Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, InnoVit, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP). Central to the discussions will be the contribution of AI to sustainable development, positioning it as a critical tool to address and potentially transform various sectors experiencing challenges across the continent.
The event, which includes prominent figures such as Robert Opp, UNDP’s Chief Digital Officer, and Fausta Bergamotto, Italy’s Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Enterprises, aims to emphasize the potential of AI in driving long-term growth for Africa. The AI Hub for Sustainable Development, co-led by the UNDP and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises, serves as a focal point for these discussions. Its mission is to establish partnerships and enhance investments between G7 nations and Africa’s private sector, targeting transformative initiatives in essential sectors like energy, agriculture, healthcare, water, education, and infrastructure. By bringing stakeholders together, the hub seeks to forge collaborative pathways that can enable substantial improvements to sustainable development across Africa.
Highlighting four critical areas for exploration, the conference will address the following aspects: the cultivation of inclusive and representative datasets, especially involving lower-resourced languages; the urgency of developing local AI talent within Africa; the need for accessible and affordable green computing infrastructure; and the importance of responsible AI adoption practices. These focal points are designed to ensure that AI technology not only becomes a catalyst for growth but is also equitable and reflective of the diverse needs and challenges present within African contexts. Vincenzo Del Monaco, the Minister Plenipotentiary at Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises, underscored the necessity for genuine partnership dynamics, stressing that the G7’s role is pivotal in establishing equal opportunities for African participants in the AI landscape.
Building upon prior commitments from G7 nations aimed at boosting Africa’s sustainable development, this event seeks to create scalable and impactful partnerships between the private sector and various governments. Minister Del Monaco affirmed a commitment to a collaborative spirit, consistent with the Italy-Africa Mattei plan, effectively positioning the AI Hub as a platform for proactive action. The ambition is to harness collective strengths and foster an environment where AI can be effectively leveraged to support growth, innovation, and practical advancements in key sectors across Africa.
Keyzom Massally, the Head of Digital and AI Programmes at UNDP, emphasized the multi-faceted crises confronting sustainable development. She highlighted the necessity for people-centered approaches in AI innovations to ensure they resonate with and meet the needs of communities. Massally stated that the AI Hub for Sustainable Development is designed to transcend conventional dialogues, aspiring instead for collaborative co-creation that yields impactful, scalable results. The involvement of African private sector leaders at this gathering is a testament to the commitment to facilitating innovative, on-the-ground solutions that align with the broader goals of sustainable development.
Ali Diallo, CEO and Founder of Aurion Capital, reiterated the pressing need for investment in AI-enabled enterprises that can significantly impact rural and emerging economies in Africa. He stressed the importance of educating local stakeholders about attracting diverse investment types for tackling sector-specific challenges, especially in healthcare and energy. Diallo pointed out the imperative of strengthening digital infrastructure in a rapidly changing geopolitical context, advocating for collaborative efforts among stakeholders. This partnership-centric approach is anticipated to generate considerable interest from American investors and foster bridges between rural America and international markets in Africa, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and growth in these regions. The San Francisco conference lays the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships that could redefine the role of AI in advancing sustainable development throughout Africa.
