TICAD9 JICA Thematic Events

AI Transformation for Africa – AI talent development and Ecosystem strengthening
August 21, 2025 12:30-14:30(JST)

Date: 2025/8/21 (Thu)12:30-14:30（JST）
Field: AI
Venue / Event Format: InterContinental / Hybrid (In-person and Online)
Co-Host: World Bank, UNDP

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is becoming one of the most versatile digital tools which is reshaping the world with how we gather and analyze data, enrich information, and use the resulting intelligence to help make informed decisions. AI is already transforming every walk of life regardless of where one lives in the world. This is true in Africa as well, where AI based solutions are addressing key challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and economic development. In many ways, it is being considered as one of the key digital drivers to help solve socio-economic challenges and accelerate sustainable development.

However, in order to truly harness the power of AI, there are many challenges that the African countries need to overcome as well. Limited Infrastructure, Scarcity and Quality of AI ready dataset, Skill Gaps and scarcity of AI talents, Ethical and Cultural Considerations, Governance and Regulatory Issues, Safety and Trust are some of the key challenges that the continent faces and must tackle.

Key Questions

Session1: Panel Discussion“Challenges and opportunities of AI in African development”

What are the potential benefits of introducing AI into various different socio-economic and political development of the African continent?
What are the key challenges which Africa need to tackle when it adapts AI for its development?
How could government, development partners, academia, and private sectors can create synergy in the area of AI to promote digital transformation and development in Africa?

Session2: TED Talk Style Presentation “AI Talent development in Africa”

What is the current condition of AI human capacity in Africa?
What are needed to expand AI talents in Africa?
How could development partners, academia, and private sector could collaborate to help build AI talents in Africa?

Objective

The purpose is to discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in African development, as well as methods for nurturing AI talent to support AI-driven development in Africa. It is expected that the results of this discussion will be reflected in various AI initiatives implemented in Africa.

Speakers

Opening

Mr. Naoki ANDO,　Senior Vice President: JICA
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Keynote

Mr. Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator and Under Secretary-General, Associate Administrator: UNDP
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Session1

Hon. Aurelie I. Adam Soule Zoumarou, Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalization: Government of Benin
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Mr. Lacina Koné, Chief Executive Officer: Smart Africa
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Mr. Tomoyuki Naito, Vice President and Professor, Graduate School of Information Technology, Kobe Institute of Computing: Kobe Institute of Computing
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