By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya
has highlighted the importance of investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and
robotics education for young people across Africa, with the country showcasing
its efforts to equip learners with skills needed for the future digital
economy.
Speaking
at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau,
closed a session on “Building AI and Robotics Education in Africa” held on the
Youth Stage.
The
session featured discussions on developing inclusive pathways for young
Africans to participate in emerging technologies, with a focus on education,
innovation and practical skills development.
Kabogo
highlighted the achievements of Kenyan public school pupils who were among
winners of the Giga competition, alongside students from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana,
Nigeria and South Africa. The young innovators developed working robots
designed to address challenges within their communities.
Kenya
is among five pilot countries participating in an ITU-led programme with Giga,
Google and the I Am Angel Foundation aimed at creating a scalable model for AI
and robotics education that can be adopted across African countries.
The
Cabinet Secretary noted that 788 public schools in Kenya have already been
connected under the Last Mile Connectivity to Schools Programme, with plans to
reach 1,000 schools by December and achieve nationwide school connectivity by
2030.
He
stressed that Africa’s growing youth population presents a major opportunity
for the continent to become an active contributor to the global AI economy,
noting that the future role of young Africans in technology will depend on the
investments made in education and digital skills today.
