Rwandan President Kagame Co-Launches Global AI Commission to Champion Equitable Access and Development for Developing Countries

The AI for Good Global Commission has been officially launched, spearheaded by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff, and ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. This multi-stakeholder initiative aims to foster the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence worldwide. Its core mission includes strengthening trust in AI, expanding access to the technology, and accelerating its use to address real-world challenges, with a particular emphasis on ensuring developing countries actively participate in shaping the global AI agenda.

A key aspect of the Commission's mandate is to bridge the gap between technology developers, policymakers, businesses, and communities. President Kagame highlighted the critical importance of technology as a force for good, underscoring the collective responsibility to leverage AI to reduce inequality and ensure more citizens benefit from its advantages. This perspective is particularly pertinent for Africa, where digital inclusion and equitable access to advanced technologies are crucial for socio-economic development.

A major priority for the Commission is tackling digital inequality, recognizing that billions still lack internet access. The initiative seeks to ensure that AI serves as a solution to global challenges rather than exacerbating existing social and economic divides. This commitment directly aligns with African development goals, aiming to prevent the continent from being left behind in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.

The Commission boasts over 40 founding members, including heads of state, technology leaders, and UN agency heads, notably incorporating African stakeholders such as the MTN Group and the African Union. This broad representation ensures that diverse perspectives, including those from Africa, are integrated into the global discourse on AI governance, accessibility, and responsible innovation. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in 2026, setting the stage for international collaboration to make AI beneficial for all humanity.