Africa has taken a leadership role in global artificial intelligence (AI) governance following the launch of a new international commission co-chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame to promote equitable access to the technology and narrow the digital divide.
The AI for Good Global Commission, unveiled in Geneva, aims to promote practical solutions that strengthen trust in AI, expand access to the technology and accelerate its use in addressing global challenges, with an emphasis on ensuring developing countries are not left behind.
The initiative was announced by President Kagame, Salesforce chief executive officer Marc Benioff, and International Telecommunication Union secretary-general Doreen Bogdan-Martin ahead of a week of high-level international discussions on AI governance in Switzerland.
The Commission brings together more than 40 founding members, including heads of state and government, global technology executives, United Nations (UN) leaders and international policymakers.
It aims to strengthen collaboration between technology developers, governments, businesses and communities while giving developing economies, particularly those in Africa, a greater role in shaping the future of AI.
As co-chair of the Commission, Kagame said technology should remain "a force for good" and called for greater international cooperation to reduce inequality and ensure that more citizens benefit from AI-driven innovation.
Benioff said AI presented significant opportunities for economic growth but stressed that public trust would remain essential to unlocking its full potential.
According to the Commission, about 2.2 billion people remain without internet access, many of them in developing regions, including Africa. Closing the digital gap has been identified as one of the Commission's main priorities.
Bogdan-Martin said no single institution could ensure AI served humanity on its own, highlighting the importance of collective leadership involving governments, industry and international organisations.
The Commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva from 7 to 10 July as part of the United Nations' Digital Week.
Its membership includes leaders from Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, Google, MTN Group, Qualcomm, Vodafone and Accenture, alongside representatives of the African Union, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation , the World Trade Organisation , and the governments of Rwanda, Namibia, Nigeria, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Estonia and Iceland.
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