Policymakers and technology leaders from across the Global South recently convened in India for the AI Impact Summit. The gathering aimed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and explore collaborative pathways for economic and social development. Representatives from nations including Indonesia, Uganda, and Ghana underscored the critical importance of shared learning, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure partnerships as AI continues its global evolution.

The summit served as a platform for participating countries to discuss common challenges and opportunities in harnessing AI for inclusive growth. India’s burgeoning AI ecosystem was frequently cited as both a partner and a model for fellow developing nations seeking to integrate AI into their national development strategies.

Indonesia Emphasises Diplomatic and Economic Value

Kautsarina Adam from Indonesia’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance highlighted the broader diplomatic and economic significance of such international fora. She stated, “This kind of summit provides mutual recognition regarding our efforts to adopt AI to improve our economy and strengthen global agreements with other countries. This is very important to us.” Ms Adam added that Indonesia could benefit from AI skill improvement in education and awareness, as well as in regulatory frameworks, suggesting the potential to utilise datasets from India.

Uganda Seeks Governance Frameworks and Infrastructure Partnerships

From East Africa, Irene Karungi Sekitoleko, Senior ICT Infrastructure Engineer at Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, characterised AI as an emerging yet promising field in her country. “As Uganda, we are developing governance frameworks to support and harness this emerging technology,” she explained. Ms Sekitoleko expressed Uganda’s desire to learn from countries like India regarding governance frameworks, the scaling of developed solutions, and the creation of solutions tailored to local contexts. She also emphasised the need for collaborations and partnerships to address challenges such as a lack of compute power and insufficient infrastructure, noting Uganda’s strong existing partnership with India.

Ghana Advances National AI Strategy

Representing West Africa, Maxwell Ababio, Head of Technology and Ethics at Ghana’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), commended the summit’s organisation and the diverse representation of participants. He detailed Ghana’s ongoing efforts to finalise a national AI strategy and its collaborative initiatives with Rwanda through policy networks. Mr Ababio expressed optimism for deeper collaboration, acknowledging India’s advancements in AI.

Ultimately, the AI Impact Summit provided a crucial arena for Global South countries to translate shared aspirations for AI-driven development into concrete, actionable partnerships.