Opinion: Africa's AI future hinges on youth investment

Your excellencies,

Africa stands at a defining moment. With the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, we have an opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence for economic growth, job creation, and social progress. However, to fully realize this potential, we must address a critical issue: the inclusion and active support of Africa’s youth — particularly young women — in AI development, policy, and investment.

I am Rose Kimu from Kenya, a Mastercard Foundation scholar at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, or CMU-Africa, currently pursuing a master’s in IT. My journey — from an overcrowded public school where I was one of nearly 100 students sharing a single classroom, to conducting advanced AI research at a prestigious university — has given me a unique insight into both the privilege and systemic barriers facing many young Africans.