By Urban Shihemi , September 27, 2025
Kenya has once again put Africa at the forefront of global innovation and governance by taking a decisive leadership role in artificial intelligence (AI) discussions at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). Moving beyond advisory participation, Kenya now leads the G77 plus China negotiations on AI and Data Governance, ensuring that developing countries have a strong and unified voice in shaping the future of AI.
This leadership comes at a crucial time: According to the World Bank, Africa’s digital economy currently contributes less than 5% to global digital markets, and the continent faces a significant AI skills gap with only 1.6 AI specialists per million people compared to 36 per million globally. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) also estimates that Africa’s share of global tech investments remains below 2%, underscoring the urgent need for targeted capacity building and innovation hubs.
Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, William Kabogo delivered a powerful message emphasizing both the promise and risks of AI, “AI can be a powerful force for peace, from conflict prevention and cyber defense to humanitarian response, but we must remain vigilant against its misuse in cyberattacks, disinformation, autonomous weapons, and mass surveillance.”
Backing the UN Secretary-General’s call for innovative financing models to scale AI capacity building in Africa, CS Kabogo stressed the importance of inclusive multilateralism:
“Multilateralism must not only adapt to the future; it must shape it, inclusively and justly.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei highlighted Kenya’s growing influence in global AI policy, stating, “Kenya’s leadership on AI is visible and strategic. I thank the Ministry of ICT and Kenya’s Tech Envoy, Ambassador Philip Thigo, for their unwavering dedication in steering these efforts.”
Special Envoy on Technology, Office of the President ,Ambassador Philip Thigo echoed the call for collective action: “The AI revolution cannot be managed by a select few but must be co-created by all, for the many. Anchored in equity, resilience, and dignity, Kenya’s initiatives signal a transformative chapter for Africa and the Global South.”
In a bold move to advance Africa’s AI readiness, Kenya has offered to host the Africa Regional Center of Excellence. This center aims to build critical infrastructure, nurture skills, and foster partnerships that will enable the continent to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 28% of individuals in Africa had access to the internet as of 2022, highlighting the importance of such infrastructural investments.
Kenya’s leadership at UNGA80 is a game changer, positioning Africa as a key player in the AI revolution and ensuring that technological advances promote equity, prosperity, and sustainable development across the continent.
