Outcome Statement: Children Global AI Summit on Africa

5Rights and partners convened the first-ever Children’s Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together 50 children from across the continent to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on their lives– and this statement is the outcome of what was discussed.

Through interactive discussion, panel sessions and a learning session (AI foundational knowledge) via the Africa AI Literacy initiative, the children explored how AI shapes their education, digital safety, and future job opportunities. They identified barriers preventing children from meaningfully participating in AI governance, including limited access to AI education, lack of awareness, and exclusion from policy discussions. The children also shared solutions, calling on policymakers, governments, and tech companies to prioritise AI education in schools, establish ethics and rights-respecting AI regulations, and create platforms where children’s voices can influence AI decisions.

The outcomes of these findings have been summated in this document. They include:

• Children’s Participation in AI Decision-Making.
• AI for Social Good and Inclusion.
• Risks and Safeguards for AI and Child Safety.
• Policy and Governance Recommendations.

This summit marked an important step in ensuring that AI serves as a force for good—and the outcome statement as a reminder children must be listened to if we are to create AI that is ethical, rights-respecting, inclusive, and beneficial to all children across Africa.