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Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 Opens in Mombasa with a Call for Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Innovation

Business

Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 Opens in Mombasa with a Call for Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Innovation
Business

Business

Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 Opens in Mombasa with a Call for Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Innovation

2025-08-26 06:00 Last Updated At:06:15

MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 (APAIC 2025) officially opened today in Mombasa with a powerful keynote speech by Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy, Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, Kenya, who called on African leaders, innovators, and partners to shape a digital future rooted in African values, talent, and global collaboration.

Speaking before ministers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and international partners, Kerema declared the start of a "Decade of Intelligence" for Africa, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) must be intentional, inclusive, and ethically grounded to truly transform lives across the continent.

"Technology, however advanced, is only truly powerful when it transforms real lives—especially those on the margins," said Kerema. "Digital sovereignty is not about isolation. It is about agency—the right and ability for African people, institutions, and governments to shape, govern, and benefit from AI systems on their own terms."

Kerema highlighted the opportunities and challenges Africa faces on its digital journey:

  • Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and siloed data.
  • Strengths: Africa's unmatched diversity, resilience, and local innovation in AI-driven health, education, and fintech.

She praised African entrepreneurs and global partners working together to co-create solutions designed for local realities—systems that are modular, explainable, privacy-respecting, and inclusive of multiple languages and communities.

MindHYVE.ai Co-Sponsorship and Launch of Agentic AI

This year's conference is proudly co-sponsored by MindHYVE.ai, a leading USA AI innovation company. Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO of MindHYVE.ai, introduced the company's groundbreaking framework Agentic AI—a new paradigm for intelligent systems designed to empower users through autonomy, explainability, and ethical alignment.

Faruki emphasized that Agentic AI reflects Africa's values of collaboration and inclusivity, providing tools for governments, enterprises, and communities to design, configure, and own their digital future.

Commitment to Youth, Women, and Partnerships

The keynote also underscored Africa's youth and women as the architects of this future, with investments in upskilling, women-in-AI forums, and digital public infrastructure forming a central pillar of the strategy.

Kerema urged participants to move beyond rhetoric to actionable partnerships, measuring success by real community impact:

  • Ethical AI aligned with African values.
  • Policies that encourage innovation and inclusion.
  • Platforms that empower teachers, health workers, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

Concluding her address, Kerema officially opened APAIC 2025 with a vision of Africa as a leader—not just adopter—in the global AI revolution:

"Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped and committed to accelerating Africa's journey to a digital future where we are not just users, but leaders. If you want to go far, go together."

About APAIC 2025

The Africa Premier AI Conference (APAIC) is the continent's leading forum for AI dialogue, policy, and innovation. Gathering leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, APAIC 2025 serves as a platform to shape Africa's role in the global digital transformation.

About MindHYVE.ai

MindHYVE.ai is a pioneering USA AI company building intelligent, ethical, and adaptive solutions for governments, businesses, and communities. Founded by Bill Faruki, the company is committed to advancing Agentic AI—AI systems that are transparent, locally governed, and designed to amplify human intelligence.

Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.ai | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668

Media Contacts

Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io

Lucy Kawira
Email: lucy.kawira@mindhyve.io
Contact : +254 717 438 749

 

MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 (APAIC 2025) officially opened today in Mombasa with a powerful keynote speech by Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy, Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, Kenya, who called on African leaders, innovators, and partners to shape a digital future rooted in African values, talent, and global collaboration.

Speaking before ministers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and international partners, Kerema declared the start of a "Decade of Intelligence" for Africa, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) must be intentional, inclusive, and ethically grounded to truly transform lives across the continent.

"Technology, however advanced, is only truly powerful when it transforms real lives—especially those on the margins," said Kerema. "Digital sovereignty is not about isolation. It is about agency—the right and ability for African people, institutions, and governments to shape, govern, and benefit from AI systems on their own terms."

Kerema highlighted the opportunities and challenges Africa faces on its digital journey:

  • Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and siloed data.
  • Strengths: Africa's unmatched diversity, resilience, and local innovation in AI-driven health, education, and fintech.

She praised African entrepreneurs and global partners working together to co-create solutions designed for local realities—systems that are modular, explainable, privacy-respecting, and inclusive of multiple languages and communities.

MindHYVE.ai Co-Sponsorship and Launch of Agentic AI

This year's conference is proudly co-sponsored by MindHYVE.ai, a leading USA AI innovation company. Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO of MindHYVE.ai, introduced the company's groundbreaking framework Agentic AI—a new paradigm for intelligent systems designed to empower users through autonomy, explainability, and ethical alignment.

Faruki emphasized that Agentic AI reflects Africa's values of collaboration and inclusivity, providing tools for governments, enterprises, and communities to design, configure, and own their digital future.

Commitment to Youth, Women, and Partnerships

The keynote also underscored Africa's youth and women as the architects of this future, with investments in upskilling, women-in-AI forums, and digital public infrastructure forming a central pillar of the strategy.

Kerema urged participants to move beyond rhetoric to actionable partnerships, measuring success by real community impact:

  • Ethical AI aligned with African values.
  • Policies that encourage innovation and inclusion.
  • Platforms that empower teachers, health workers, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

Concluding her address, Kerema officially opened APAIC 2025 with a vision of Africa as a leader—not just adopter—in the global AI revolution:

"Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped and committed to accelerating Africa's journey to a digital future where we are not just users, but leaders. If you want to go far, go together."

About APAIC 2025

The Africa Premier AI Conference (APAIC) is the continent's leading forum for AI dialogue, policy, and innovation. Gathering leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, APAIC 2025 serves as a platform to shape Africa's role in the global digital transformation.

About MindHYVE.ai

MindHYVE.ai is a pioneering USA AI company building intelligent, ethical, and adaptive solutions for governments, businesses, and communities. Founded by Bill Faruki, the company is committed to advancing Agentic AI—AI systems that are transparent, locally governed, and designed to amplify human intelligence.

Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.ai | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668

Media Contacts

Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io

Lucy Kawira
Email: lucy.kawira@mindhyve.io
Contact : +254 717 438 749

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 Opens in Mombasa with a Call for Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Innovation

Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 Opens in Mombasa with a Call for Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive Innovation

Over 15,000 visitors to the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth; IFEZ supported a record 50 innovation companies participating in CES 2026.
Participating companies secure a foundation for global expansion, including 20 MoU signings.

INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) announced the successful operation of the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth at CES 2026, presenting IFEZ's future-city vision and the technologies of Incheon-based innovators to a global audience.

Under the theme "Destination Incheon — From Smart City to AI City," the booth highlighted a sustainable urban future enabled by Incheon companies' innovations and drew more than 15,000 visitors, according to IFEZ.

During CES 2026, IFEZ also met with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) to discuss support measures and collaboration models for helping Incheon startups enter the U.S. market. The two sides plan to develop practical joint programs through continued cooperation.

IFEZ supported a record 50 companies at CES 2026 across multiple participation tracks, dividing them across various exhibition areas: 10 companies in the 'INCHEON-IFEZ' Booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 10 in the Korea pavilion (KOTRA) at the Eureka Park, 6 in the Global Pavilion, and 15 as the Incheon Startup Park Delegation and 10 Innovation Award showcase participants.

These companies achieved record-breaking results, conducting 1,419 business consultations with overseas buyers and investors, with the estimated value of export consultations reaching $560 million—more than 400 additional meetings compared to last year. In addition, nine companies signed 20 MOUs, building momentum for global expansion and investment opportunities.

Leadpoint System, a smart manufacturing and industrial automation solutions provider, signed an MOU with Webtronic Labs, a U.S.-based technology R&D company.

emCT, which specializes in fire detection and safety management solutions, signed an MOU with Texas Legacy Realty, a Texas-based real estate development and operations company, to pursue collaboration on applying fire safety and "safe zone" solutions in commercial and residential buildings.

Medicell Healthcare, a regenerative medicine and bio-healthcare solutions company, signed an MOU with the City of Phoenix, Arizona's largest city, and discussed cooperation on technology collaboration and local proof-of-concept initiatives in public healthcare.

IFEZ said 14 supported companies earned 17 CES Innovation Awards, the highest total to date for Incheon, drawing strong interest from global buyers and investors. Deep Fusion AI received a Best of Innovation honor for its radar-based sensor-fusion AI technology, gaining attention in next-generation autonomous driving and robotic perception.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said the CES participation advanced the Incheon–IFEZ AI City vision on the global stage and pledged continued support to expand Incheon companies' international reach and strengthen Incheon as a global business hub.

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

INCHEON-IFEZ Booth Wraps Up a Successful CES 2026, Recording $560M in Export Consultations and 17 Innovation Awards

INCHEON-IFEZ Booth Wraps Up a Successful CES 2026, Recording $560M in Export Consultations and 17 Innovation Awards

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