Africa must co-create AI, not just consume it – Google, Meta

Global technology companies, Google and Meta, have urged African stakeholders to prioritize AI sovereignty by building data and technology systems that reflect the continent’s languages, cultures, and development priorities.

The call was made during the Africa Soft Power Summit 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 21 to 25.

Speaking during a panel discussion on artificial intelligence, Lorna Omondi, Partnerships Lead at Google Research Africa, highlighted the importance of training AI systems with African datasets. She said Google is focused on expanding access to multilingual tools to support underserved communities.

“AI must solve the problems that matter most to African users in agriculture, healthcare, energy, and legal services,” Omondi said.

She added that the company sources language data locally and makes it available in open markets to support innovation by African startups.

Similarly, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, Kojo Boakye, emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond being a passive consumer of AI technologies.

He called for increased local development and co-creation, saying digital sovereignty is essential for the continent to shape its future in the global AI space.

Now in its fourth edition, the Africa Soft Power Summit convened leaders and creatives from across the continent and diaspora to discuss policy, innovation, culture, and gender equity.

The summit opened with the Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference, where Kenyan MP Naisula Lesuuda called for structural reforms to improve diversity and inclusion efforts in leadership.

Founder of Africa Soft Power Group, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, reiterated the need for Africa to define its own diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks and lead global engagement through narratives rooted in African realities.

Organizers said a post-summit report will soon be released, outlining strategies for innovation and policy development on the continent.

The event concluded with the ASP Gala & Awards at the JW Marriott Nairobi, recognizing achievements in technology, media, fashion, and governance.