We are proud to announce the official launch of the ACTS AI Institute, dedicated to positioning Africa at the forefront of responsible AI innovation and governance. The launch, themed “Charting the Path Towards an African-Centered AI Future” is scheduled to take place virtually on July 15, 2025. This online event marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s digital transformation journey, aligning with continental priorities such as the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063.
For over three decades, ACTS has led cutting-edge research in science, technology, and innovation policy. The transition from the Digital Economy Programme to the ACTS AI Institute reflects the increasing relevance of AI in agriculture, climate resilience, public health, education, and economic development.
The ACTS AI Institute comes at an important point in global technological evolution. As AI increasingly shapes economic, social and governance systems worldwide, African nations must develop contextually relevant approaches that harness AI’s potential whilst addressing its unique regional challenges. These approaches must ensure that AI enhances rather than exacerbating inequalities. The Institute will serve as a nexus for research, policy development, capacity building and strategic partnerships in the AI domain across Africa.
This high-level event will feature thought leaders, policymakers, AI experts, and development professionals discussing the intersection of AI with key socio-economic sectors.
Launch details:
- Date: Tuesday, 15 July 2025
- Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM EAT
- Location: Zoom (the link will be shared in the coming days)
Speakers
- Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor, European Union Delegation to the African Union
- Naser Faruqui, Director, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Prof Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium
- Prof Brando Okolo, Head of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), AUDA-NEPAD
- Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, Chair, ACTS Governing Council
- Dr Veerle Vandeweerd, Platform for Transformative Technologies
- Tom Peter Migun Ogada, Executive Director, ACTS
- Gillian Dowie, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Emeritus Berhanu M. Abegaz, former Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences, Ethiopia
- Devotha Nyambo, Senior Lecturer and Researcher Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
- Divine Fuh, Director, HUMA – Institute for Humanities in Africa
- Shem Wandiga, Former Director, Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA), University of Nairobi (Dean)
Moderators
- Mammo Muchie, Research Professor, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
- John Ouma Mugabe, University of Pretoria
- Shem Wandiga, Former Director, Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA), University of Nairobi (Dean)
For more information, contact: acaii[@]acts-net.org, Cc psoy[@]acts-net.org
Download
- ACAII Launch Concept note
