Africa’s push to lead in artificial intelligence and digital innovation took center stage in New York this week as heads of state, global business leaders, and policymakers gathered for Unstoppable Africa 2025, the flagship forum of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
The event showcased landmark projects to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, from AI infrastructure to financial innovation, positioning the continent as a key player in the global technology race.
Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, founder and executive chairman of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, announced plans to build Africa’s first network of AI factories powered by NVIDIA GPUs. Slated for completion by 2026, the facilities are expected to anchor Africa’s participation in the global AI economy.
“We cannot afford to be spectators in the AI revolution. Africa must be a producer of solutions, not just a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere,” Masiyiwa said.
Meta also underscored its growing commitment to Africa’s digital landscape. Kojo Boakye, the company’s vice president of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, highlighted the continent’s unique advantage. “Africa is not the future. It is the now. We see enormous potential in how AI and digital tools can power economic growth and inclusion,” he noted.
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In finance, the Africa Finance Corporation, in collaboration with African pension and social security institutions, launched the Africa Savings for Growth initiative. The plan seeks to mobilize more than $1 trillion in institutional assets toward long-term investments in infrastructure and inclusive development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres participated as a key speaker, while UN deputy secretary-general Amina J. Mohammed closed the forum with a call for Africa to maintain ownership of its digital journey.
“Unstoppable Africa is a space to remind ourselves that this is our narrative, on our terms, and we go forth building stronger markets, economies, and democracies,” Mohammed said.
The announcements mark a decisive step in equipping African innovators and businesses with the tools to create homegrown AI solutions and deepen the continent’s integration into the global digital economy.
