Guinean Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Djami Diallo has emphasized the need for African countries to play a more significant role in creating new technologies, rather than simply using solutions designed and developed elsewhere. Speaking at a ministerial panel discussion on the Digital Cooperation Day 2026, organized by the United Nations in New York, Diallo highlighted the importance of Africa's active participation in shaping its technological future.
According to Diallo, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa should go beyond merely acquiring technological tools. She stressed that Africa must become a creator of AI, not just a consumer. This ambition, she noted, is a key part of Guinea's vision for its future. The minister expressed her country's commitment to leveraging AI as a driver of economic transformation and public service improvement.
In preparation for the UN event, Diallo had hosted a working session in Conakry with teams from the City of Science and Innovation, accompanied by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies. This meeting laid the groundwork for Guinea's contribution to the development of AI, based on the conviction that AI is only meaningful if it is grounded in trained talent, research oriented towards national needs, and clear national priorities.
For Guinea, this approach involves investing in skills, strengthening institutions, and focusing efforts on priority sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. Diallo noted that this orientation aligns with the Simandou 2040 strategy, which prioritizes new technologies in support of development and promotes solutions tailored to Guinea's realities.
The minister emphasized the need to invest in skills and strengthen institutions capable of supporting the emergence of a national research and innovation ecosystem. She expressed her ambition to create more opportunities for Guinean youth, improve services, and generate real local value through the strategic use of AI.
Diallo's call for Africa to take a more active role in AI development reflects a broader recognition of the need for the continent to drive its own technological progress. By doing so, African countries can ensure that the benefits of AI are harnessed to address local challenges and promote sustainable development.
The Digital Cooperation Day 2026, where Diallo made her remarks, is part of a broader effort to promote global collaboration on digital issues. The event highlights the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of digital technologies and ensuring that their benefits are shared equitably.
Key points
- Guinean Minister of Higher Education Djami Diallo calls for Africa to become a creator of artificial intelligence, not just a consumer.
- Guinea aims to leverage AI as a driver of economic transformation and public service improvement.
- The country's approach involves investing in skills, strengthening institutions, and focusing on priority sectors such as education and healthcare.
