President Paul Kagame has been appointed co-chair of the newly established Global Commission on AI for Good, a major United Nations-backed initiative aimed at shaping the future of artificial intelligence while ensuring its benefits are shared more equitably across the world.

The commission, announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will be co-chaired by Kagame and Salesforce Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff, with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serving as vice-chair.

Comprising 44 founding members drawn from governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, the commission will focus on strengthening trust in artificial intelligence, expanding access to AI technologies in developing countries, and promoting their use in addressing global challenges, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate resilience.

Speaking after the announcement, President Kagame emphasized that artificial intelligence should benefit everyone, regardless of where they live. “Technology is meant to be a force for good, and it is our responsibility to use it accordingly. Let’s work together to reduce inequality and enable more of our citizens to benefit from what AI can bring to everyone,” Kagame said.

Kagame’s appointment is widely seen as recognition of the continental AI investment fund intended to accelerate AI development across Africa.

Beyond national initiatives, Kagame also chairs the Board of the Smart Africa Alliance, a coalition bringing together 40 African countries to promote digital transformation, innovation, and technology-driven economic growth across the continent.

Rwanda has already begun integrating artificial intelligence into key sectors of its economy. AI-powered services are being deployed in agriculture through advisory platforms available in Kinyarwanda via WhatsApp and SMS, while additional projects are supporting improvements in healthcare and education.

The country’s efforts have also attracted growing international investment. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently expanded its funding for Rwanda’s AI initiatives, increasing support for the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub, which focuses on applying artificial intelligence to public service delivery.

For Africa, Kagame’s appointment represents more than a leadership role. It places the continent at the centre of global discussions on how artificial intelligence should be developed, regulated, and deployed to ensure that emerging technologies help reduce inequality rather than deepen existing digital divides.

The commission is expected to hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to July 10, where members will begin developing recommendations for the future of global AI governance.

Kagame will be joined on the commission by several prominent African leaders and policymakers, including World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita, and senior government officials from Nigeria, Togo, and Namibia, further strengthening Africa’s representation in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Image: Stori.