AI for Good Impact Africa

This session explores how AI governance and international standards can strengthen global cooperation. Panelists will discuss key enablers and challenges in translating AI strategies into real-world outcomes, and how cooperation among governments, industry, and international organizations can accelerate progress.
The discussion will also highlight the essential role of connectivity and shared values such as transparency, accountability, and trust in shaping the future of AI.

This session explores how AI technologies can help preserve and promote Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. From documenting endangered languages to enabling local innovation, AI offers powerful tools to strengthen cultural identity.

This session explores how inclusive AI can expand access to education, digital resources, and opportunities for all - including underserved, unconnected, and low-income communities, as well as persons with disabilities. AI has the potential to bridge divides, but only if accessibility and affordability are built into its design and deployment. Join us to discuss the challenges, innovations, and collective actions needed to ensure AI truly serves everyone.

Under the AI for Good Impact Initiative, AWS cloud credits were granted to selected regional AI projects to support sandbox environments and demonstrate AI integration in addressing real-world challenges. These credits empower teams to experiment with scalable compute and storage resources, enabling rapid prototyping and validation of AI models. Projects leverage pre-configured toolsets, datasets, and simulators aligned with ITU standards to accelerate development. This session showcases local innovation and measurable progress in regional AI deployment. Ultimately, the initiative bridges research and implementation, fostering globally connected, standards-based AI ecosystems.

What happens to AI when the lights go out? In many parts of the world, crises do more than disrupt infrastructure; they test the meaning of intelligence itself. Drawing on her work at Crisis Cognition and her writing on AI’s social impact, Samantha explores how innovation looks different in the Global South, where systems must operate offline, across languages, and with imperfect data. 

Quantum technology is quietly shaping the next chapter of Africa’s digital story. This session explores how advances in quantum innovation can strengthen digital resilience, enhance the reliability of AI, and open new frontiers for sustainable growth.

This keynote highlights the AI for Good Impact Initiative in action, showcasing how regional efforts turn innovation into real-world impact. As the second in a series of regional events, it demonstrates how local ecosystems are driving practical AI solutions aligned with global goals. We are here to connect ideas, partnerships, and technologies that move AI for Good from vision to implementation.

This session explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping global health systems to become more resilient, inclusive, and responsive. Building on the ITU-WHO-WIPO Global Initiative on AI for Health, the discussion will examine how AI-driven tools can strengthen health delivery, enhance diagnostics, and improve access to care - particularly in regions facing systemic challenges. Panelists will share insights on integrating innovation responsibly, bridging digital divides, and ensuring that emerging technologies align with public health priorities and ethical standards. 

This session brings together experts from academia, regional bodies, and the private sector to explore how AI can transform education systems, expand access to quality learning, and equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered future. Panelists will share experiences from across Africa and discuss how partnerships are helping make AI education more inclusive and impactful.

This session explores how AI for agriculture and food security supports the global efforts of the ITU and partner UN agencies to accelerate sustainable solutions across the food ecosystem. The discussion also highlights local needs and challenges, ensuring that AI solutions are adapted to regional contexts and realities.

The AI for Good Innovation Factory is the leading UN-based startup pitching and acceleration platform, helping startups grow and scale AI-powered solutions that tackle pressing global challenges. This pitching session highlights innovation in the African region and is open to startups based in Africa that are using AI, machine learning, and advanced algorithms to address real-world issues.