AI4SD and RAIL from KNUST recognized as major participants at global summit in France

The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) initiative and the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been selected to represent Africa at the prestigious Grand Palais World AI Summit in France. Out of more than 700 global submissions, AI4SD and RAIL’s project has emerged as one of just 50 chosen to participate, marking a significant recognition for African-led AI research and innovation. The lab’s focus on developing AI-powered solutions for rare diseases will take center stage at the summit, with its work being showcased at booth 18 in the exhibition hall.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, who serves as the Project Lead for AI4SD and the Principal Investigator at RAIL, has expressed optimism about the potential impact of the summit. He views the event as a critical opportunity to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to adopt a national AI strategy that can transform its economy. Prof. Kponyo is hopeful that the summit will serve as a catalyst for the country’s AI agenda, positioning Ghana as a frontrunner in AI development across Africa and on the global stage. This participation highlights Ghana’s increasing role in technological advancement, signaling that the nation is poised to make meaningful contributions to global AI research.

The involvement of the Ghanaian delegation, which is sponsored by the French Embassy, underscores the importance of ensuring that African perspectives are reflected in global AI governance and policymaking. Prof. Kponyo emphasized the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration within the AI ecosystem, highlighting that international cooperation is key to addressing global challenges. For Ghana and the African continent, the summit offers a unique chance to shape the future trajectory of AI technology while emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable development practices.

At the summit, AI4SD and RAIL will present their work alongside global innovators, showcasing Africa’s growing influence in the AI field. Prof. Kponyo stressed that the summit will also provide an opportunity for critical international discussions on the ethical development of AI, with an emphasis on mutual benefit for all parties involved. As Ghana continues to work on its national AI strategy, the participation of KNUST in the summit reinforces the country’s commitment to leveraging technology to address pressing challenges in sectors like healthcare, education, and economic development.

The World AI Summit will feature several influential panel discussions with industry leaders, such as Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Microsoft President Brad Smith. African leaders and experts will also contribute to these discussions, including Nyallang Moorosi from the Distributed AI Research Institute and Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. These voices will be central in shaping the conversation on the future of AI development, ensuring that Africa’s needs and perspectives are prioritized.

The summit will also feature nearly 100 affiliated events and activities throughout Paris, tackling issues such as the public interest in AI, the transformation of the workplace due to AI technologies, and building trust in AI systems. The inclusion of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO, alongside academic institutions and civil society groups, demonstrates the summit’s comprehensive approach to global AI governance. This inclusive platform allows for a broader dialogue on how AI technologies should be developed, deployed, and regulated to ensure equitable benefits for all societies.

Ghana’s involvement in the summit, particularly through the contributions of RAIL, serves as a testament to the growing capabilities of African nations in the realm of technology and innovation. With a strong focus on AI solutions for health challenges, such as addressing rare diseases, Ghana’s participation highlights the country’s commitment to utilizing AI to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing issues. This marks a significant step in advancing AI research in Africa, showcasing the continent’s potential as a global leader in AI development and its commitment to using technology to foster sustainable development.