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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://sciencesummitnyc.org/
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UID:MEC-970fb1f772fc2c31ef53234842710ee9@sciencesummitnyc.org
DTSTART:20261014T093000Z
DTEND:20261014T113000Z
DTSTAMP:20261008T080400Z
CREATED:20261008
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014
SUMMARY:AI and Africa in a Global Context: Building capacity, advancing science and connecting partnerships
DESCRIPTION:Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to advance scientific discovery and address priorities in health, agriculture, climate and sustainable development. Realising these opportunities in Africa requires sustained investment in people, institutions, data and infrastructure, alongside partnerships that enable African researchers and innovators to shape the technologies they use.\nConvened during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this roundtable will explore how African-led priorities can guide international cooperation on AI. It will bring together perspectives from AUDA-NEPAD, African innovation networks, science diplomacy, global health research, Google, and the UN AI for Good community to connect policy ambitions with practical collaboration opportunities.\nSTISA 2034 provides the African policy frame for the discussion. Preparations for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, FP10 and Global Europe offer an opportunity to consider how European cooperation can support African scientific capacity and participation in global AI development. The roundtable will also consider how these partnerships can contribute to the UN post-2030 development agenda.\nThe central question will be: How can global AI partnerships strengthen African scientific institutions and innovation ecosystems while delivering practical benefits for communities?\nDiscussion\nCapacity and infrastructure: Build scientific and technical skills, strengthen institutions, and improve access to computing, connectivity, and relevant datasets. Particular attention will be given to partnerships that create lasting capacity within African universities, research organisations and enterprises.\nAI applications for science and development: Exploring opportunities in health research, Earth observation, agriculture and climate resilience. Global Health EDCTP3 will provide a perspective on clinical research and health research capacity, while Google’s Earth AI perspective will connect environmental intelligence with African development priorities.\nGovernance, participation and trust: Considering how African institutions can contribute to international AI governance, standards and research priorities, with attention to locally relevant data, responsible use and equitable access.\nPartnerships and investment: Identifying practical forms of cooperation between public institutions, technology companies, philanthropy and African innovators, and considering how these could inform future Africa–Europe funding priorities.\nPanel\nMr Declan Kirrane, Science4All Foundation:  Opening and moderation, connecting the discussion to Africa–Europe science cooperation, the Irish Presidency and the wider global policy agenda.\nMs Eudy Mabuza, Science Attaché, South African Embassy, Brussels — Science diplomacy, national research priorities and the role of international cooperation in strengthening African participation in AI-enabled science.\nDr Luke Barrington, Director of Earth AI, Google (meeting host) — Potential applications of Earth AI for environmental research, agriculture and resilience, and opportunities for collaboration with African scientific institutions.\nDr Michael Makanga, Executive Director, Global Health EDCTP3 — Opportunities for AI in clinical and health research, and the scientific capacity, data partnerships and institutional foundations needed for responsible adoption.\nDr John Kamara, Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence Africa — African innovation ecosystems, talent development, entrepreneurship and the conditions needed to translate AI capabilities into locally relevant applications.\nDr Ian Thomson, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Ontario.\nProf Anicia Peters, CEO, National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), Namibia.\nProf Brando Okolo, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)\nMs Mei Ling Fung, AI for Good ITU\nAgenda\n11:00 | Welcome and framing\nLuke Barrington and Declan Kirrane introduce the objectives and policy context.\n11:10 | African priorities and scientific capacity\nOpening perspectives: Eudy Mabuza and Prof Anicia Peters\n11:30 | From AI capability to practical applications\nContributions from John Kamara, Michael Makanga and Luke Barrington.\n12:00 | Inclusive partnerships and support\nMei Ling Fung\n12:20 | Moderated roundtable discussion\nLed by Ian Thomson: All speakers and participants examine opportunities for joint action.\n12:40 | Conclusions and next steps\nIdentify priorities to carry into the AERAP discussions on 15–16 October.\n
URL:https://sciencesummitnyc.org/events/ai-and-africa-in-a-global-context-building-capacity-advancing-science-and-connecting-partnerships/
ORGANIZER;CN=:MAILTO:
CATEGORIES:Africa,AI,Data ICT,Development
LOCATION:Google Velasco Building, Grand Canal Block, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin, D02 KW81, Ireland.
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sciencesummitnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AdobeStock_577444477.jpeg
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