Smart Africa's Director General to Shape Africa's AI Policy at Pan African AI Summit 2026

Key Takeaways

• The Pan African AI Summit (PAAIS) 2026 has announced the participation of Mr. Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa.
• Smart Africa is a 40-member alliance committed to accelerating the continent's digital transformation.
• The summit will take place on 22-23 September 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.

The Pan African AI Summit (PAAIS) 2026 has secured a significant boost with the announcement that Mr. Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, will join the event as a featured speaker. This development positions PAAIS 2026 as a critical platform for shaping the continent's approach to artificial intelligence.

Smart Africa, the African Union-endorsed alliance of 40 member states, has been at the forefront of Africa's digital transformation. Under Mr. Koné's leadership since 2019, the alliance has developed continental blueprints for digital identity, broadband, ICT start-up ecosystems, and a continental push to coordinate Africa's approach to artificial intelligence.

Background & Context

Smart Africa's commitment to digital transformation is rooted in its mission to accelerate the continent's economic growth and development. The alliance has been instrumental in shaping Africa's digital agenda, and its participation in PAAIS 2026 underscores the critical role that continental coordination plays in driving the adoption of artificial intelligence.

The Pan African AI Summit 2026 is the second edition of the event, which brought together over 1,000 delegates from more than 30 countries in its inaugural edition. The 2026 summit expects to exceed this number, with over 1,800 registered delegates and a comprehensive two-day programme featuring keynotes, ministerial dialogues, and roundtables.

Key Findings

Mr. Koné's participation in PAAIS 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for delegates, innovators, and investors to engage directly with the agenda shaping AI policy across 40 African nations. This development connects the summit to the broader continent-wide efforts to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is touted as the defining opportunity of Africa's digital decade. Platforms like the Pan African AI Summit matter because they bring policy, enterprise, and talent into the same room, facilitating critical dialogue and collaboration.

Broad Implications

The Pan African AI Summit 2026 has significant implications for Africa's digital transformation. The summit provides a platform for stakeholders to engage with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, explore new opportunities, and shape the continent's AI policy.

The summit's two-day programme features a range of activities, including keynotes, ministerial dialogues, and roundtables. The AI Hackathon pitch competition, sponsored by the Estonian Business Angel Network (EstBAN), and the AI Masterclass are among the highlights of the event.

Looking Ahead

The Pan African AI Summit 2026 is poised to be a landmark event in Africa's digital transformation journey. With the participation of Mr. Lacina Koné and other high-profile speakers, the summit promises to deliver critical insights, drive collaboration, and shape the continent's AI policy.

The summit's expected outcome is a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, explore new opportunities, and shape the continent's AI policy. This development underscores the critical role that continental coordination plays in driving the adoption of artificial intelligence.

Market Impact

The Pan African AI Summit 2026 is expected to have a significant impact on Africa's digital transformation market. The summit provides a platform for stakeholders to engage with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, explore new opportunities, and shape the continent's AI policy.

The summit's expected outcome is a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, explore new opportunities, and shape the continent's AI policy. This development underscores the critical role that continental coordination plays in driving the adoption of artificial intelligence.