JOHANNESBURG – The next stage of artificial intelligence (AI) development should be shaped with Africa “rather than about or for the African continent”, says Sunil Genes, Director of Global Government Affairs and Africa CSR at SAP.
His comments follow the launch of the AI for Good Global Commission, announced by international leaders yesterday, Thursday, July 2, 2026, with the aim of expanding access to AI, strengthening trust, and accelerating its social and economic impact.
The committee will bring together representatives from governments, businesses, and international organizations to identify practical approaches to unlocking the potential of AI while promoting equitable access to the technology.
The first meeting will be held during the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit, scheduled for July 7-10 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The summit will be held as part of Digital Week, which will run from July 6 to 10, in parallel with the UN-led First Global Dialogue on AI Governance and WSIS Forum 2026.
Participating in discussions at the summit, Jenness said Africa should approach global AI governance with a clear agenda focused on economic growth and inclusion.
“Africa must address its challenges with clarity, not prudence. Our challenge should be simple and bold: AI governance that expands prosperity,” Jenness said on Friday, July 3, 2026.
“That means access to computing, investment in skills, reliable data systems, open standards, innovation in local languages, responsible public procurement, and regulation that protects people without suffocating entrepreneurs.
“This means transforming the African Union’s continental AI strategy from a document into national roadmaps, investment pipelines and regional cooperation.
“This is tech diplomacy: 54 countries working together as much as possible instead of negotiating as separate voices.
“We want to add value here.”
Africa's representation on the committee was strengthened by the appointment of Rwandan President Paul Kagame as co-chair along with Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff.
According to ITU, the commission aims to promote fair access to AI and contribute to narrowing the global digital divide.
The group said an estimated 2.2 billion people remain offline, and about a quarter of the world's population remains excluded from AI-driven opportunities.
“The main focus of the Global Commission for AI for Good is to close the digital divide and help ensure that AI becomes a tool to solve global challenges, rather than deepen inequality,” ITU said.
President Kagame said technology should be used to reduce inequality and widen access to the benefits of AI.
“One thing is certain…technology is supposed to be a force for good and we have a responsibility to use it appropriately,” President Kagame said.
“Let's work together to reduce inequality and ensure more people can enjoy the great benefits that AI has to offer us all.”
Benioff further commented that AI's economic potential depends on maintaining public trust.
“The potential of AI is built not only on incredible opportunities for our economic growth, but also on the foundation of trust we need to share success,” Benioff said.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General and Commission Vice-Chair, said cross-sector collaboration is essential to ensure AI benefits people around the world.
Bogdan Martin said, “No organization can bring AI to the benefit of all humanity on its own. For AI to benefit all people, everywhere, it will take collective leadership and the combined expertise of partners across sectors.”
