Rwanda is making a bold play to establish itself as a leader in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, with President Paul Kagame announcing a significant economic target: AI is expected to contribute up to 5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This ambitious goal stems from the understanding that AI’s capabilities can fundamentally transform key economic sectors, including education and agriculture, making them more efficient, productive, and innovative.

This projection positions AI not just as a tool for modernization, but as a core pillar of future national economic growth, ensuring the country remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Kagame administration is ensuring that this rapid technological adoption is grounded in responsible governance.

The President confirmed at the Transform Africa Summit that the country has already laid the necessary groundwork by developing a comprehensive national artificial intelligence policy.

This policy is specifically designed to guide Rwanda’s AI ambitions, ensuring that the technology is deployed effectively, ethically, and in a way that aligns with national development priorities.

By developing a clear policy framework, Rwanda aims to preempt potential risks and maximize the long-term, positive impact of AI on its citizens and economy.

President Kagame also directly addressed the mounting global concerns surrounding AI’s impact, particularly those related to job displacement, privacy, and safety.

While conceding that some fears are justified, he attributed much of the surrounding anxiety to uncertainty rather than objective risk. His message was one of inevitability and optimism: “Regardless of the sentiment, this new reality is here to stay,” he stated.

Kagame argued that science and technology, throughout history, have always been engines of creativity and performance, ultimately leading to the betterment of humanity, suggesting AI will follow this same trajectory.

For Rwanda and the wider continent, the President stressed that Africa’s competitiveness hinges not merely on the speed of AI adoption, but crucially on the process of choosing the right use cases tailored to local needs.

This focus on practical, localized application ensures the technology solves real-world African problems.

Furthermore, he warned that persistent gaps in infrastructure, skills, and research are structural deficits that continue to weigh on progress.

Closing these gaps and securing a smooth AI transition, he concluded, will necessitate closer and more committed collaboration between the public and private sectors.

SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA