By Rachel Kakraba
The FEF Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Conference has opened in Paris, France, bringing together innovators, professionals, researchers, policymakers, students, and technology enthusiasts to promote joint research and the development of AI solutions that address local and global development challenges through international collaboration.
The conference is also expected to provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging trends, policy developments, real-world applications, and opportunities shaping the future of technology.
Dr. Daniel Adjei, FEF-AI4SD Project Lead at the Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, in his opening remarks, said the conference forms part of the France–Ghana bilateral programme under the Fonds d’Expertise et de Formation – Initiative Africa scheme, which supports collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation between institutions in Ghana and France.
He explained that the programme is coordinated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented through the French Embassy in Ghana to fund joint academic, scientific, and institutional projects.
Dr. Adjei expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their various roles in ensuring the success of the project.
“Today is a little bit emotional for me because the project was conceived more than four years ago when I was thinking about how we could apply AI in research and what we could do as two countries, because I have always initiated different projects funded by CNRS.”
He expressed confidence that the project would further strengthen Ghana-France relations.
“I know the French-Ghana relationship is going to be strengthened, and I am proud to be driving the whole initiative. As you all know, AI is transforming every sector. It’s not only for engineering but also for finance, academia, research, medicine, and many others.”
Dr. Adjei noted that many researchers and Ghanaian students have benefited from exchange programmes under the project, contributing significantly to Ghana’s human resource development.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would be expanded to allow greater collaboration between French and Ghanaian partners for their mutual benefit.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Project Lead for the AI4SD project at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), emphasised that Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed as a distant or abstract tool but as one capable of driving sustainable development, particularly in the Global South.
“This gathering is built on the unwavering conviction that AI must serve humanity. It is our shared duty to translate complex algorithms into tangible real-world impact, creating direct benefits for food security, healthcare, and true societal inclusivity.”
Prof. Kponyo explained that the Responsible AI Lab, under the AI4SD initiative, is built on four core pillars: research and development, capacity building, policy influence, and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring fairness in all its activities.
“We ensure fairness by actively eliminating bias in datasets and model outcomes. We demand accountability by defining clear lines of responsibility for our systems.”
He called for deeper collaboration that would move beyond isolated pilot projects towards integrated national solutions.
Prof. Frédéric Pascal, Vice-President for AI at Université Paris-Saclay and Director of the DataIA Institute, expressed delight at the growing collaboration between Ghana and France in the field of Artificial Intelligence, describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
He said the collaboration extends beyond the exchange of technical expertise to building a lasting scientific partnership that benefits both nations.
“We believe it is only through such bilateral cooperation that we can develop AI models that are truly responsible, ethical, and beneficial to society.”
Prof. Pascal identified Ghana as a priority country for Artificial Intelligence cooperation in Africa, highlighting its growing influence in the continent’s digital transformation agenda.
He said it was time for the world to move beyond academic research and training towards integrated innovation clusters capable of generating direct economic impact.
Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Mavis Ama Frimpong, said the conference marked a pivotal moment in which technology is driving key aspects of development, noting that Africa is positioning itself to make a significant impact in the digital economy.
“For far too long, the narrative surrounding the African continent has been one of a technological divide. It has been a story where Africa is viewed merely as a passive consumer or observer of the digital revolution, waiting for solutions designed in the West to be imported and applied. I am proud to say to all of you gathered here today that this story is changing.”
She said Ghana is no longer merely adopting technology but is actively building an indigenous innovation ecosystem to support the country’s development agenda, including the RESET Agenda and the Accra RESET initiative.
According to her, the ecosystem is not an imitation of foreign models but a vibrant, home-grown movement driven by the brilliance and creativity of young Ghanaians.
“We are shaping a digital future that understands our unique context and responds directly to the needs of our people. This technological transformation is being led at the highest level by our dynamic President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and anchored by the Republic of Ghana’s strategic framework for Artificial Intelligence, which was launched earlier this year.”
Ambassador Frimpong praised KNUST’s Responsible AI Lab for playing an instrumental role in Ghana’s AI journey.
“The RAIL Lab is deeply committed to creating ethical, context-appropriate AI solutions specifically tailored to the African environment. Through its vital work, it is ensuring that AI models are fair, transparent, and designed to solve our most pressing challenges.”
She added:”Equally significant are the expanding efforts at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, led by Professor Francis Hasford. The Commission is leveraging the power of AI across multiple sectors, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, and agricultural productivity. These institutions are the engines of our emerging digital economy, proving that world-class scientific research is thriving here in Ghana.”
She reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the initiative, saying it aligns with Ghana’s 10-year strategic development plan.
According to her, with the continued support of France and other development partners, Africa’s history in technology and innovation would be rewritten in a positive direction.
The conference will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) of KNUST and DataIA of Université Paris-Saclay.
Other activities scheduled for the conference include a dinner cruise on the River Seine in Paris, as well as dedicated scientific and cultural visits, including tours of world-class research facilities at Université Paris-Saclay and selected tourist attractions across Paris.
