Copyright leadership
As the world races to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic growth, Artificial Intelligence 4 Social Impact and Development (AI4SID) is turning its focus to people rather than machines, championing human capital as Africa’s greatest AI asset. AI4SID, an initiative under the Africa Hub for Innovation and Development, is rolling out a series of programmes aimed at equipping Africans to design and deploy AI tools that serve communities, not just corporations. Ahead of its flagship AI for Social Good Summit scheduled for May 2026 in Abuja, AI4SID plans to host a two-day training program in January 2026 and an Advanced AI Accelerator for recent graduates, both designed to build skills and leadership in the emerging field of socially responsible AI. “The future of Artificial Intelligence must not be measured only by technological milestones but by the social impact it creates. We want to ensure Africans are not just consumers of AI, but creators and shapers of how it’s used to drive equity and innovation,” said Chief Visionary (Influence & Strategy) at AI4SID, Dr. Kunle Kakanfo. According to the organisation, the upcoming AI for Social and Strategic Impact Training will focus on helping NGOs and social enterprises use AI to improve operations, analyse data, and expand their reach. The Accelerator Program, meanwhile, will train young graduates in technical and ethical aspects of AI while pairing them with mentors to develop solutions for real-world problems in health, education, and agriculture. Such programmes are increasingly vital as African countries grapple with how to make AI work for inclusive development. While global conversations often focus on regulation or automation, initiatives like AI4SID’s are reframing AI as a tool for empowerment. particularly in sectors where data and resources are scarce. The series of activities will culminate in the AI for Social Good Summit, a one-day global convening in Abuja that will bring together policymakers, innovators, and development practitioners to explore how AI can address issues like inequality, sustainability, and access to public services. The confirmed speakers include Emmanuel Edet of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi of Data Science Nigeria, and AI4SID’s co-founders Dr. Olawale Ogundeji and Dr. Nneoma Okeke. For AI4SID, these events are more than just gatherings. they form part of a growing movement to redefine how AI is built and applied across Africa. “We’re seeing a shift. AI is no longer something happening ‘elsewhere.’ It’s being localised, decolonised, and designed for impact, and that’s where real innovation begins,” Dr. Okeke stated.
