By Samuel Abuya
The Transform Africa 2019, which is the fifth edition of the Transform Africa Summit, kicked off on May 14, 2019 in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, with the humanoid robot, commonly known as Sophia, lined up as one of the summit’s key speakers.
Under the banner “Boosting Africa’s Digital Economy”, the Transform Africa 2019 has, so far, seen several Heads of States and Government from Africa streaming in for the summit which is scheduled to end on May 17.
While addressing the summit, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta called on African countries to prioritize integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the development plans because it is key to immense economic transformation potential.
Mr. Kenyatta was speaking while unveiling the Kenya’s digital economy blueprint to investors and other Heads of States and Government present in the Transform Africa 2019.
Mr. Kenyatta also spoke on the essential roles that the African youth play in the digital economy across the continent saying his country, Kenya, has created a special intervention targeted at empowering young people with practical ICT skills.
“We are encouraging the youth to be proactive and tap into the digital market through our Ajira program that has seen many get online jobs,” Mr Kenyatta said in his Transform Africa 2019 happening at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Sophia among main speakers
Sophia, which is the first humanoid robot in the world, is set to headline discussions touching on artificial intelligence as well as the fourth Industrial Revolution. The robot is a Saudi Arabian citizen and a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ambassador. The robot has the able to see, sustain eye contact, follow faces, recognize individuals, have conversations, and follow speech and walk.
Sophia was named the United States Development Programme’s first ever Innovation Champion in November 21, 2017.
Transform Africa Summit has provided African businesses and start-ups a platform to prosper and has also played a critical role in empowering Africa’s youth
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is the current chair of the summit.
Africa Global News Publication
