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 (Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Tanzania and Tunisia), catalyzing transformation across six key sectors–energy, agriculture, health, water, education & training, and infrastructure.
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 included political and private sector leaders across G7, the EU, Italy and Africa, with notable mentions including:
“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 spotlighted 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.
'Echoes of M’Zab, Dreams of Tomorrow'
Djehaf Kaouthar
'Green Future with African AI'
Chissola Marlene Neto Manuel
'Nile Nexus: AI Rebirth'
Anas Youssef
'Climate Roast: AI Coffee Futures'
Zekarias Yemane Berhe
'Roots of Innovation: Dual Consciousness with AI'
Abigail Oppong
'Langhe Connected by African Heart'
Maura Micucci
'Graines d'Avenir Ivoirien'
Eric Adé Tanauh
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'AfroTech Farm: AI in Kenya'
Stephen Ndiema
'Digital Lights of the Desert'
Sidi Mohamed Hmeyti
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'DeepRoots, DeepLeaf'
El Mahdi Aboulmanadel
'Dreaming Tomorrow in Rural Mozambique'
Mário Neves Gonçalo Chilundo
'A futuristic vision of Congo powered by AI'
Matt Glesmycene Seinzor
'Woman, Land, and Data'
Oumar Ndiaye
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'Isle of Plenty'
Mc Donald Nyoni
'Tunisia’s AI Learning Horizon'
Amen Allah Heni
Keep watching this space for updates on the work of the AI Hub
Get in touch: aihubfordevelopment@undp.org
