Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame will co-chair the newly launched AI for Good Global Commission alongside Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, marking a significant milestone for Africa’s role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The commission brings together governments, technology companies and multilateral organisations to promote equitable AI development, strengthen global cooperation and bridge the digital divide.
The commission will hold its inaugural meeting during the ITU AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva from 7 to 10 July, as part of Digital Week 2026. The gathering will also feature the first UN-mandated Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the WSIS Forum 2026, bringing together global leaders to discuss the future of AI policy, governance and innovation.
Speaking ahead of the summit, SAP Africa Director of Government Affairs and CSR Sunil Geness called on African countries to approach global AI discussions with a clear and unified agenda. He urged governments to prioritise compute access, digital skills, trusted data systems, open standards, local-language innovation, accountable public procurement and balanced regulation that protects citizens while supporting innovation. He also encouraged African nations to translate the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy into practical national action plans.
The commission’s work comes as the International Telecommunication Union estimates that around 2.2 billion people worldwide remain offline, limiting access to AI-driven economic opportunities. Closing this digital gap is expected to be a central focus of the commission as it works to ensure AI delivers inclusive economic and social benefits across developed and emerging markets.
President Kagame said technology carries a responsibility to be used as a force for good, while Marc Benioff emphasised that AI’s economic potential depends on building public trust. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin added that achieving inclusive AI development will require collaboration across governments, businesses and international institutions. Kagame’s appointment places Africa at the centre of global conversations shaping the next generation of artificial intelligence governance.
