The landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Africa is evolving, with increasing recognition of its transformative potential in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance. However, despite A.I’s vast opportunities, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field. To address this gap, the African Women in A.I Network was officially launched on 17th January 2025 at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi. The event, convened by the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) in partnership with Mozilla, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates to chart a path toward a more inclusive and equitable A.I ecosystem.

The launch was more than a celebration – it was a call to action. The gathering facilitated thought-provoking discussions on the opportunities, challenges, and necessary actions to empower women in A.I and integrate their voices into key decision-making processes. Participants explored strategies to bridge the gender gap, ensure equitable A.I innovations, and promote diversity within the sector.

Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the event. Representatives from governmental agencies, private sector organisations, research institutions, and non-governmental entities engaged in insightful dialogues on how partnerships can drive sustainable change. The importance of cross-sector collaboration was emphasized, particularly in integrating A.I solutions into key industries such as education, agriculture, and healthcare. The event also highlighted the role of A.I in improving food security by leveraging advanced models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to optimize agricultural yields and reduce post-harvest losses.

Beyond industry applications, the discussions delved into policy and governance. The need for African women to take an active role in shaping A.I policies, regulations, and ethical standards was underscored. Participants called for greater representation of African women in A.I decision-making spaces to ensure that A.I development aligns with local needs and values. A major takeaway from the event was the importance of dismantling stereotypes and creating more opportunities for women to engage in A.I. The speakers and panelists stressed the need for intentional efforts—not just conversations—to drive meaningful change. The launch reinforced the need for A.I training programs, mentorship initiatives, and funding opportunities to support women-led A.I innovations.

One of the standout messages was Mozilla’s principle of “Building with us, not for us,” emphasizing the necessity for African women to be active contributors in A.I development rather than passive beneficiaries. Ensuring that A.I technologies are designed, tested, and deployed with inclusivity in mind remains a critical objective for the newly formed network. The official unveiling of the African Women in A.I Network marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering women in A.I. This initiative aims to provide continued mentorship, skills development, networking opportunities, and advocacy platforms to enhance women’s presence in the A.I space. With innovation, collaboration, and impact at the heart of this movement, the launch of the African Women in A.I Network sets the stage for a more inclusive A.I future—one where African women are not only participants but leaders and innovators in shaping the continent’s A.I landscape.