The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) and Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged as one of 50 projects chosen from over 700 global submissions to participate in the Grand Palais World AI Summit in France.

The lab’s work on AI-powered solutions for rare diseases will be featured at booth 18 in the exhibition hall, marking a key moment in African AI research and development.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Project Lead for AI4SD and Principal Investigator at RAIL, expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to advance Ghana’s AI agenda.

He noted that, “the summit could inject energy into Ghana’s efforts to complete and adopt a national AI strategy aimed at economic transformation, with the goal of positioning Ghana as a leader in AI development within Africa”.

The Ghanaian delegation’s presence, sponsored by the French Embassy, reflects a broader initiative to ensure African perspectives are included in global AI governance.

Prof. Kponyo emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange within the AI ecosystem and a focus on collaboration that benefits all involved.

For Ghana and the African continent, the summit offers a crucial opportunity to influence the future of global AI development.

Prof. Kponyo highlighted the potential for “key resolutions towards global cooperation in the development of AI solutions for the mutual benefit of all,” emphasizing the importance of balanced international partnerships in advancing AI technology

AI4SD and RAIL’s participation in the summit, alongside global innovations, is a significant recognition of African AI capabilities.

This milestone, along with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive national AI strategy, underscores the country’s emerging role in technological innovation across Africa.

The summit will host high-profile panels with leaders such as Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Microsoft President Brad Smith.

African perspectives will also be showcased, with speakers like Nyallang Moorosi from the Distributed AI Research Institute and Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, addressing global AI ecosystem development and inclusive AI practices.

The event will feature around 100 affiliated activities throughout Paris, addressing topics such as public interest AI, workplace transformation, trust in AI, and global governance. The involvement of international organizations such as the UN and UNESCO, along with academic and civil society groups, highlights the summit’s inclusive approach to AI governance.

Ghana’s participation, particularly through RAIL’s innovative work, demonstrates the continent’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global AI development while addressing key healthc
are and economic challenges.