As the global AI race intensifies, Africa has a unique opportunity to own its AI transition rather than be a passive recipient of technology built elsewhere. This panel brings together leaders in AI infrastructure, talent development, and market formation to explore how the continent can build the compute capacity, cultivate the technical talent, and create the market conditions needed to compete and lead in the AI era.

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries globally, Africa stands at a pivotal moment to harness these tools for leapfrog development. This lunch-and-learn session features a conversation with OpenAI's Africa Lead on how AI is being deployed across the continent, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what African governments, entrepreneurs, and institutions must do to ensure the continent is a creator — not just a consumer — of AI innovation.