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

The AI Hub for Sustainable Development

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.

Bold solutions and partnerships are required to meet the unique needs of the African AI market. Based in Rome, Italy, the AI Hub for Sustainable Development recognizes the importance of reimagining global models and resources to match the realities and ambitions of African innovators.

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.

Who Joined Us

The official opening included political and private sector leaders across G7, the EU, Italy and Africa, with notable mentions including:

Brad Smith

Vice Chair and President of Microsoft

His Excellency Amr Talaat

Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt

His Excellency Samuel Nartey George

Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana

Ambassador Philip Thigo

Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya

Solomon Quaynor

Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, the African Development Bank

Oswald Jumira

CEO of Liquid C2 Cassava Technologies

Massimo Dal Checco

President, Confindustria Anitec Assinform

Her Excellency Elissa Golberg

Ambassador of Canada to Italy

Uljan Sharka

Founder & CEO, Domyn

Senator Anna Maria Bernini

Minister of University and Research, Italy

Sen. Adolfo Urso

Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy

HE Leon Juste Ibombo

Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Republic of the Congo

Dr. Godwill Wanga

Executive Secretary of the Tanzania National Business Council, Tanzania

Mr. Roberto Viola

Director General, DG Connect, European Commission


and many more that will inspired us to evolve, co-create and innovate.

“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

First Wave of Core Initiatives

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.

AI Art for Industries Walkthrough

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.

ALGERIA

'Echoes of M’Zab, Dreams of Tomorrow'
Djehaf Kaouthar

ANGOLA

 'Green Future with African AI'
Chissola Marlene Neto Manuel

EGYPT

'Nile Nexus: AI Rebirth'
Anas Youssef

ETHIOPIA

'Climate Roast: AI Coffee Futures'
Zekarias Yemane Berhe

GHANA

'Roots of Innovation: Dual Consciousness with AI'
Abigail Oppong

ITALY

'Langhe Connected by African Heart'
Maura Micucci

IVORY COAST

'Graines d'Avenir Ivoirien'
Eric Adé Tanauh

KENYA

'AfroTech Farm: AI in Kenya'
Stephen Ndiema

MAURITANIA

'Digital Lights of the Desert'
Sidi Mohamed Hmeyti

MOROCCO

 'DeepRoots, DeepLeaf'
El Mahdi Aboulmanadel

MOZAMBIQUE

'Dreaming Tomorrow in Rural Mozambique'
Mário Neves Gonçalo Chilundo

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

'A futuristic vision of Congo powered by AI'
Matt Glesmycene Seinzor

SENEGAL

'Woman, Land, and Data'
Oumar Ndiaye

TANZANIA

'Isle of Plenty'
Mc Donald Nyoni

TUNISIA

'Tunisia’s AI Learning Horizon'
Amen Allah Heni

Keep watching this space for updates on the upcoming launch.
Get in touch: aihubfordevelopment@undp.org