Breakout 2
|
Saturday
|
11:30 am
Aldrich 111

Africa’s AI Strategy: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and while the potential for AI to drive development in Africa has long been recognized, the question remains: is the continent poised to realize this potential? This panel brings together voices in AI innovation, investment, and governance to explore the state of AI on the continent. The discussion will examine how AI is already being applied to solve some of Africa’s unique challenges, from enhancing retail supply chains to improving healthcare delivery. Panelists will also delve into the barriers preventing broader adoption and the ethical considerations of building AI systems for low-resource settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in Africa, the opportunities that exist, and the strategies required to bridge the gap between potential and impact

Africa’s AI Strategy: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and while the potential for AI to drive development in Africa has long been recognized, the question remains: is the continent poised to realize this potential? This panel brings together voices in AI innovation, investment, and governance to explore the state of AI on the continent. The discussion will examine how AI is already being applied to solve some of Africa’s unique challenges, from enhancing retail supply chains to improving healthcare delivery. Panelists will also delve into the barriers preventing broader adoption and the ethical considerations of building AI systems for low-resource settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in Africa, the opportunities that exist, and the strategies required to bridge the gap between potential and impact

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 11:30 AM
Aldrich 111

Other Sessions

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Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 111
Regional Collaboration for Innovation in the Education Sector
This panel explores innovative education models and partnerships to equip Africa’s youth with future-ready skills for growth.
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Regional Collaboration for Innovation in the Education Sector

Africa faces significant challenges in education access, delivery, and quality, spanning from elementary to tertiary levels. These issues undermine the continent's ability to prepare its youth for a rapidly changing labor market and emerging industries. 98 million children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school.. On the delivery side, ~17 million additional teachers are needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030. The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands skills such as coding, AI, and digital literacy, which are often absent from traditional curricula. Local economies, unable to meet these demands, rely heavily on foreign talent for high-skilled jobs—highlighting deficiencies in the domestic education system and the urgent need for innovative approaches to address these gaps. This panel discussion seeks to explore how regional partnerships and innovative education models, particularly in STEM, can tackle these challenges, equip African youth with future-ready skills, and drive sustainable economic growth on the continent

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 111
More Info
Breakout 2
Saturday
|
11:30 am
Aldrich 110
Eco-tourism | African Heritage Trails: Unlocking Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism
This panel explores how African heritage sites drive tourism, economic growth, and community empowerment.
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Eco-tourism | African Heritage Trails: Unlocking Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism

Across the African continent, historical and cultural sites are being transformed into engines of economic resilience. This panel will explore how heritage trails, conservation efforts, and agritourism initiatives are not only preserving Africa’s rich history but also driving sustainable development and community empowerment. By reclaiming historical narratives and showcasing pre-colonial innovations, African nations are attracting global visitors while fostering local entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
Join us for a dynamic conversation, in collaboration with the Uganda Embassy, Theodore Roosevelt East Africa Sustainable Development Initiative (TREASDI), and the Business of Doing Good Summit Series Consortium, as we highlight innovative approaches to leveraging Africa’s heritage for economic growth and exchange ideas on expanding these efforts across the continent.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 11:30 AM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Keynotes
Saturday
|
2:45 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Governance & Economic Transformation, a conversation with former VP H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia discusses Ghana’s digital transformation, economic growth, and lessons for Africa’s future.
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Governance & Economic Transformation, a conversation with former VP H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President, led the country’s digital and economic transformation. In this fireside chat, he will reflect on Ghana’s progress and its lessons for Africa, touching on digitalization, job creation, regional integration, and governance. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 2:45 PM
Klarman Auditorium