President Paul Kagame said artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a major role in boosting Rwanda’s economic growth, potentially increasing the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 5% in the near future.
Kagame spoke in Conakry, Guinea, alongside Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya, during the launch of the Transform Africa Summit 2025 (TAS2025), an international conference aimed at promoting technological innovation. The summit brings together African leaders, tech experts, and investors from across the continent.
“This summit began in Kigali more than a decade ago, at the dawn of a global technology revolution,” Kagame said. “The opportunities before us included investing in internet infrastructure and using digital connectivity as a foundation for development. The commitments we made then continue to be upheld, and in partnership with our stakeholders, we are making remarkable progress.”
He highlighted the transformative potential of AI, saying rapid technological advances are reshaping the world. “On the African continent, success will not only be determined by how quickly we adopt these technologies, but also by the problems we choose to solve. Aligning these solutions with our values and development priorities will yield the greatest benefit to our people,” Kagame said.
For Rwanda, AI is expected to generate innovation and new knowledge across sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and other areas aimed at improving citizens’ livelihoods. Kagame emphasized that continued investment in broadband networks is crucial to accelerating economic transformation and expanding development opportunities for all.
The Transform Africa Summit provides a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration to accelerate Africa’s technological and economic growth. The event encourages countries to pool resources, share best practices, and adopt strategies that harness digital innovation to drive socioeconomic progress.
Kagame’s remarks underscore Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging technology to achieve sustainable development. By integrating AI into key sectors, the country aims to create jobs, improve service delivery, and expand access to knowledge and innovation, ensuring that technological advances directly benefit its citizens.
The summit also serves as a forum for African leaders and innovators to explore partnerships, discuss policy frameworks, and share solutions for advancing digital economies across the continent.
