AI Forward X
Taking Africa's AI conversation from one platform to many.
AI Forward X is a pan-African ecosystem platform enabling locally led AI communities to convene, collaborate, and shape conversations around artificial intelligence in their countries and regions.
It is the next chapter of AI Forward, Afrique AI Lab's platform for bringing thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and practitioners together to examine the questions shaping AI in Africa.
It Started With AI Forward
AI Forward began as a webinar series built around one idea:
Africa needs spaces to discuss AI from African perspectives, with African priorities at the centre.
Across its first two editions, AI Forward brought together 100+ participants and produced 4 knowledge outputs, exploring issues including AI governance, deepfakes, data protection, ethical AI, and inclusive AI development.
2
AI Forward editions
100+
Participants engaged
4
Knowledge outputs
2025
AI Forward launched
But the conversations should not end when the webinar does.
They should continue in communities, institutions, countries, and regions.
That is where AI Forward X begins.
From One Platform to a Continental Network
AI Forward X takes the AI Forward model beyond a central webinar series and creates space for locally led chapters across Africa.
The ambition is simple:
Make AI dialogue more local.
Make African ecosystems more connected.
Make African voices more visible in the global AI conversation.
The Continental Ambition
Africa has 55 African Union Member States across five regions.
AI Forward X is being built with a continental horizon.
10+
Countries targeted in the initial expansion
20+
AI Forward X chapters and local communities
5,000+
People to engage through events, forums, and community activities
100+
Ecosystem partners, speakers, researchers, and practitioners to connect
5
African regions within the long-term network
Why Now?
AI is moving rapidly from experimentation into economic, institutional, and public life across Africa.
40%+
of African institutions surveyed by McKinsey have begun experimenting with generative AI or implemented significant solutions
$61B–$103B
in additional annual economic value McKinsey estimates at-scale generative AI could create across Africa
The African Union has also identified AI as a strategic priority and adopted a Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy focused on inclusive, development-oriented, and responsible AI adoption.
The opportunity is significant. So is the need for African communities to participate in shaping what comes next.
What AI Forward X Does
Convene
Bring together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders, and communities around emerging AI questions.
Localise
Translate global AI conversations into national and regional contexts.
Connect
Create stronger relationships across government, academia, industry, civil society, and technology ecosystems.
Develop
Create spaces for emerging AI leaders, researchers, and innovators to learn, collaborate, and contribute.
Shape
Generate ideas, insights, and knowledge that can inform AI policy, governance, innovation, and adoption.
A Network of Local AI Conversations
AI Forward X chapters can host:
AI Forward X Forums
High-level conversations on national and regional AI priorities.
Policy Roundtables
Focused discussions connecting AI policy, governance, institutions, and implementation.
Community Sessions
Accessible conversations for practitioners, researchers, students, founders, and AI enthusiasts.
Innovation & Opportunity Exchanges
Spaces to connect people with projects, partnerships, research, funding, and emerging opportunities.
Knowledge & Insights
Local perspectives and insights that contribute to the wider AI Forward ecosystem.
Join the Network
For Individuals
Join the AI Forward community to receive updates on upcoming conversations, events, opportunities, and chapter activities.
Join the CommunityFor Organisations
We welcome universities, governments, companies, research institutions, development organisations, civil society organisations, and ecosystem builders interested in supporting AI Forward X.
Partnership opportunities include:
- Chapter partnerships
- Event partnerships
- Sponsorship
- Knowledge partnerships
- Research collaborations