Artificial Intelligence Must Now Mean Africa is included Guterres Tells TICAD9 Summit
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has challenged world leaders to embrace Africa’s demographic strength, natural wealth, and technological potential as catalysts for global progress.
While delivering his keynote address at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Mr. Guterres underscored the urgency of reform, investment, and partnership to unlock Africa’s vast opportunities.
With the world’s youngest population, abundant resources, and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, the UN Secretary General said that Africa was “poised for progress.”
Mr. Guterres emphasized the need to reform global governance systems for Africa to retain a stronger voice in shaping decisions that directly affected its future. He pointed to the evident absence of a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council as an example of outdated structures that no longer reflected the present-day realities.
Secretary Guterres also renewed his call for an overhaul of the international financial system, which he described as “unjust and unfair” urging for bold action on debt relief and fairer access to finance to enable African economies to pursue inclusive growth.
The Secretary-General further highlighted the need to strengthen Africa’s role in global value chains by adding value to its raw materials, boosting regional integration, and creating jobs.
“Africa’s prosperity must come from building resilience and driving local industries, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
He also confronted the continent’s energy paradox, observing that Africa possessed enormous renewable potential and the critical minerals essential for clean technologies, yet continued to receive only two percent (2%) of global renewable investment.
The UN Secretary-General noted that nearly 600 million Africans lacked electricity and emphasized that African nations must be the primary beneficiaries of their own critical minerals and calling for greater investment in sustainable energy.
On technology, the Secretary-General placed a spotlight on digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as game-changers for Africa’s future. He stressed the need to close the digital divide and ensure technology accelerates, rather than delays Africa’s progress. Citing his longstanding appeal, Mr. Guterres declared: “AI must now mean Africa is included.” He added that Japan’s technological leadership could play a crucial role in building digital public infrastructure and advancing research partnerships that empower African youth.
Placing young people and women at the centre of development, Mr. Guterres described them as “the builders of Africa’s future.” He called for greater investment in STEM education, digital skills, and leadership opportunities. “Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies, and political systems,” he added.
On the issue of peace and security, Secretary General Guterres linked peace and prosperity, underscoring that sustainable development could not be achieved without stability.
“Sustainable development requires sustainable peace silencing the guns, ending violence, and strengthening social cohesion are essential to attracting investment and business to Africa,” he affirmed.