Endorsed by the G7 leaders, the AI Hub for Sustainable Development is designed to re-imagine global AI partnerships and power local ecosystems with Africa
Our mission is to nurture a space where novel ideas emerge and thrive, with transformative solutions by Africa’s innovators and start-ups to build AI foundations—in areas of green compute, data and talent. Connecting everyone into an ecosystem where they can grow together and advance prosperity for all is at the AI Hub's core.
As Enrico Mattei, the inspiration for the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan, redefined international partnerships in the 1950s, Italy is once again driving an ecosystem of equal partnerships through the AI Hub. The AI Hub is aligned with the African Union’s AI Strategy and is anchored by 14 partner countries in Africa, catalyzing transformation across six key sectors.
Artificial Intelligence is poised to be the most transformative technology of our era, and its benefits must be accessible to all. For Africa, where 60% of Africans are under 25, AI presents a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development growth, delivering innovative and impactful solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and governance.
No prior technology cycle has matched AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s industrial development. Join us to co-design exponential solutions and infrastructure, working with AI innovators and start-ups across borders.
The official opening will include political and private sector leaders across G7, the EU, Italy and Africa, with notable mentions including:
President Microsoft
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya
Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, the African Development Bank
CEO of Liquid C2 Cassava Technologies
President, Confindustria Anitec Assinform
Ambassador of Canada to Italy
Founder & CEO, Domyn
and many more that will inspire us to evolve, co-create and innovate.
“The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is part of the Mattei Plan, a priority of the Italian Government’s foreign policy. With this instrument we want to contribute to the achievement of development objectives, leveraging the private sector and interesting projects for the market.”
– Adolfo Urso – Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Government of Italy
The official launch of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development will spotlight the first wave of core initiatives aimed at accelerating AI-enabled industrial development across Africa.
A curated exhibition featuring AI-generated artwork submitted through an open call by African and Italian creators, showcasing their vision for the future of industrial growth in Africa, powered by AI. These are among the more than 100 submissions received across the 14 partner countries of the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan and Italy.
Keep watching this space for updates on the upcoming launch.
Get in touch: digital.support@undp.org