Hon. Nyombi Thembo: Harnessing the Power of AI to Transform Africa’s Future

Speke Resort Munyonyo, Uganda –

Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), delivered a rousing opening address at the Africa AI Summit, setting a powerful tone for the continent's future in artificial intelligence. The summit, hosted at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo, brought together leading minds, innovators, and policymakers to explore the profound impact of AI on African development.

In his keynote remarks, Hon. Thembo emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a concept confined to research laboratories or corporate innovation hubs. Rather, it is steadily embedding itself into the social fabric of communities across the continent. “It is truly inspiring to witness the vibrant discussions on artificial intelligence moving beyond labs and corporate boardrooms into our communities,” he said, applauding the growing inclusivity of AI conversations in Africa.

Hon. Thembo described the summit as more than a congregation of brilliant minds. He positioned it as a “pivotal call to action” for African innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate and chart a path that leverages AI for the collective good of all Africans.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to the event’s conveners, including Django Tech Limited and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development, for spearheading what he called a “significant and timely” event. According to Hon. Thembo, these platforms are essential for ensuring that the AI revolution serves not just a privileged few, but the broader African society. 

Drawing on a metaphor of the lion, Hon. Thembo urged leaders across Africa to confront the challenges facing the continent with strategic determination. “Real progress requires us to embrace challenges head-on,” he remarked. “Just like a lion that methodically tackles its prey one bite at a time, we too can make substantial strides by starting small and focusing our intentions.”

This imagery underscored his broader point: Africa need not be daunted by the complexity of AI. Instead, leaders must focus on scalable, actionable steps that lead to tangible transformation. 

Hon. Thembo detailed the vast promise AI holds for transforming Africa’s key development sectors — education, healthcare, agriculture, and business. He cited a recent Harvard study indicating that AI can boost workforce productivity by up to 40%. “This is not just a minor improvement; it’s a groundbreaking opportunity for economic growth and societal advancement,” he said.

By integrating AI into essential services, African countries stand to make dramatic improvements in access, efficiency, and quality — bridging longstanding development gaps in the process.

A strong theme throughout Hon. Thembo’s speech was the need for grassroots engagement. He stressed that for AI-driven solutions to be effective, they must be informed by the lived experiences and needs of local communities.

“When we involve local voices in the conversation, we ensure that our solutions are not only relevant but are also designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse populations,” he noted.

He called on summit participants to continue driving inclusive dialogues and participatory design, ensuring that the AI revolution does not leave anyone behind.

Concluding his address, Hon. Thembo called upon all stakeholders to stay committed to building an AI-powered future that lifts the entire continent. “Together, we can shape an AI-powered future that elevates the entirety of our continent,” he affirmed. “Let us remain the architects of change, committed to lifting each other up and ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.”

As the Africa AI Summit progresses, Hon. Thembo’s address serves as both an inspiration and a blueprint — a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and bold innovation.

Here’s to an inspiring summit and a future where innovation thrives across Africa.