Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming societies, economies, and industries worldwide. By 2030, AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global GDP, with significant potential for Africa to harness this technology for sustainable development. However, the benefits of AI are not equally distributed, particularly for women in Africa. Despite the continent's growing adoption of AI technologies, women remain underrepresented in the AI ecosystem, facing systemic barriers in education, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
AI for All: Accelerating Gender Equity
Bridging the Digital Gender Divide in Africa
The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) envisions a future where digital technologies, including AI, drive inclusive growth and development. However, the current landscape reveals a stark gender gap in AI-related fields. Women constitute only 30% of professionals in the tech industry, and less than 1% of women and girls in Africa live in countries with high levels of women's empowerment and gender parity. This disparity is further exacerbated by limited access to education, digital skills, and funding for women-led start-ups, as well as the underrepresentation of women in AI research and development.
The overarching objective of this forum is to support discussions and highlight the importance of accelerating gender equity in AI by championing the empowerment African women to participate fully in the development, deployment, and governance of AI technologies through targeted interventions in education, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and leadership, ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries but also active contributors to the AI ecosystem.
Advancing African Women's Leadership in AI: Key Discussion Areas
CIO Africa and the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO are organising this event which will explore critical dimensions of African women's participation in AI development and governance across Africa while addressing both challenges and opportunities in the following key areas:
Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
Regulatory and Policy Gaps in AI Governance
Women Pioneers in AI: Technical Expertise to Leadership
Building Ethical AI: Combating Bias and Promoting Inclusive Design
This event brings together influential stakeholders from across the technology and policy spectrum who are positioned to drive meaningful change in gender equity within Africa's AI landscape:
- Women Tech LeadersWomen Tech Leaders
- Chief Information Officers and Heads of ICTChief Information Officers and Heads of ICT
- Government Officials and Policy MakersGovernment Officials and Policy Makers
- IT ManagersIT Managers
- Development Partners and NGOs in Tech and Gender EqualityDevelopment Partners and NGOs in Tech and Gender Equality