Africa cannot do this alone; partnerships with global companies, governments, and organisations will be essential in achieving these goals. This is why Google is committed to collaborating with African governments, businesses, and communities to drive progress in AI on the continent.
As we gather at the Global AI Summit on Africa, let’s seize this moment and commit to taking action. Let’s work together to harness the power of AI to assist people, transform sectors, advance scientific progress, and address societal challenges. Let’s build a future where AI benefits everyone, everywhere. The potential is immense, and the time to act is now.
As we look towards the future, it is clear that African-led innovation will play a crucial role in unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent. There are numerous areas where AI can make a significant impact in Africa, from healthcare and agriculture to education and infrastructure. However, for this potential to be fully realized, governments and policy-makers need to take action at the local, regional, and continental levels.
At Google, we recognize the importance of Africa’s AI moment and are committed to working with local partners to ensure that every African can benefit from this technology. Our longstanding presence and investments in Africa put us in a unique position to drive innovation and create opportunities for growth and development. By collaborating with stakeholders across the continent, we can co-create a future where AI is accessible to all.
James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, Technology, & Society at Google, is leading the charge to advance Google and Alphabet’s innovations in AI and computing. With a focus on beneficial impact on society, James is actively involved in shaping the future of AI in Africa. As Vice Chair of the US National AI Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
In addition to his role at Google, James is also Chair and Director, Emeritus of the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) and serves on the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. His contributions to the field of AI have been recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Stanford’s HAI, and Oxford’s Ethics in AI program.
As we embark on this journey towards a more AI-driven future in Africa, it is clear that collaboration and innovation will be key. By working together, we can ensure that AI benefits every African and paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
