Day 2 of the 4th Global Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (GDSAI) Summit 2025, hosted by @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University, concluded with powerful conversations, cutting-edge demonstrations, and a renewed call for collaboration to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
Building on the momentum of Day 1, the final day brought together policymakers, technologists, researchers, entrepreneurs, youth innovators and industry leaders to explore practical pathways for deploying safe, scalable, and sustainable AI across the continent.
Youth Talent Forum: Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of AI Pioneers
One of the day’s most anticipated sessions was the Youth Talent Forum, showcasing young African innovators developing AI solutions grounded in local context and built for real-world impact.
Speakers included:
- Caroline Gakii – Developer of an AI-powered digital telepathology microscope
- Wallace Milei, CEO, Keja AI
- Mark Mwoche, Founder & Lead Developer, Sign Sema
- David Nene, CTO, Tunga Innovation
- Moderator: Linet Wanjira
The panel delivered compelling insights on local-first AI development, data scarcity, accessible technology, and the importance of supportive ecosystems for youth-led innovation.
“Youth-led AI thrives when there is support, trust, and collaboration. We can only build transformative solutions when universities, government, and industry walk with young innovators.” — Caroline Gakii
Key Reflections Across the Day
Discussions throughout Day 2 emphasized:
1. African-Led, Contextualized AI
Innovators highlighted the need for AI built for African realities—solutions delivered through familiar platforms like WhatsApp, trained on local datasets, and designed in local languages and dialects.
2. Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
Speakers stressed the importance of equipping African universities and innovation hubs with resources to nurture the next generation of AI leaders.
3. The Future of Accessible AI
From AI-powered sign language translation to voice-based accessibility tools, Day 2 spotlighted solutions that broaden access and support communities often excluded from digital innovation.
4. Policy, IP, and Sustainable Ecosystems
Panelists urged the establishment of stronger pathways—from ideation to commercialization—to ensure African innovators can protect their intellectual property and scale globally.
Closing Remarks: A Call to Collaborate for Impact
In his closing address, Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude and vision:
“These two days have shown the incredible depth of talent and ambition across Africa’s AI ecosystem. Our progress will depend on intentional collaboration — between academia, industry, government, and young innovators. Thank you to every speaker, guest, and partner for making this summit a success.” — Dr. Joseph Sevilla
He emphasized the summit’s commitment to nurturing continuous innovation, strengthening partnerships, and supporting African-led solutions that are ethical, inclusive, and transformative.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Summit reinforced Africa’s growing influence in global AI innovation — and the urgent need for sustained investment in research, policy frameworks, infrastructure, and youth development.
Participants left energized, connected, and empowered to shape the next chapter of Africa’s digital economy.
To explore more about the summit, speakers, and sessions, visit:
🔗 https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu/global-data-science-and-artificial-intelligence-summit/