Reflections on G20

Masakhane Hub at the G20 AI for Africa Conference

   By Chenai Chair ( Masakhane Hub Director)

Showcasing African-Led Innovation and Building Global Partnerships

Masakhane Hub marked its first major global engagement at the G20 AI for Africa Conference, standing proudly as a voice for African-led innovation in artificial intelligence. Our objective was to amplify Masakhane’s impact and connect with global partners — from funders and policymakers to innovators and government representatives — committed to building an inclusive AI future for Africa.

A Spotlight on African-Led Science and Technology

On Day 2, I joined an incredible panel on “African-Led Science, Technology, and Innovation”, moderated by Saidah Nash Carter, Founder of Bright Insights Global. The discussion brought together thought leaders and pioneers, including:

●      H.E. Dr. Philemon Mjwara – Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of South Africa to UNESCO

●      Dr. Joyce Nabende – Makerere University AI Lab

●      Dr. Mona Al Qazzaz – Open Science Manager, Rotman Research Institute

●      Prof. Vukosi Marivate – ABSA UP Chair of Data Science

●      George Richards – Director, Community Jameel

The audience included representatives from global funders, technology firms, AI researchers, linguists, and investors from across Africa and beyond. In representing the hub, I emphasised the following:

1. Context and Culture Matter:
African language AI must be deeply rooted in local contexts, cultures, and lived realities. Technology designed for African communities must emerge from within them. “At the core of the work of Masakhane is community centered approaches that allow for building together for a more integrated and sustainable ecosystem for African innovation.

Language in Africa isn’t neutral; it’s political. African-led innovation must reflect people’s lived realities, values, and knowledge. It’s not about waiting for permission but about responsiveness, creativity, and care.

2. Inclusion and Collective Knowledge:
African-led innovation means ensuring that everyone’s knowledge has value. We must build technology by and for the people it impacts — inclusive, accessible, and community-driven. The Language Hub is a success story of people working within their own contexts — responding to the realities of African languages in AI.

3. Ecosystem Investment:
I called for a sustainable, funded ecosystem for African innovation — one that invests in infrastructure, builds equitable partnerships, and co-creates governance frameworks that ensure African ownership and accountability. To quote myself verbatim:

“Masakhane is an African initiative — powered by the community, funded with commitment from the AI4D funders collaborative FCDO, IDRC, the Gates Foundation, Google.org and GIZ. The next step is expanding partnerships across the Global Majority — connecting Africa, Asia, and Latin America etc in solidarity. Collaboration isn’t just about funding; it’s about co-creation, mutual learning, and care. We must build not just tools but also governance, evaluation, and licensing that enables access to data and ensures the highest value back in Africa”.

This engagement:

●     Positioned Masakhane Hub as a credible, leading voice in global AI and open science dialogues.

●      Strengthened relationships with international partners, governments, and funders. We had the honor of being in conversation with UN Tech Envoy, Amandeep Singh Gill to discuss how Masakhane can support the work being done.

●      Opened new pathways for ecosystem strengthening, collaboration, and continental representation in global digital transformation.

Our call to Action:

Everyone contributes to how AI shapes society — and African science must ensure that every voice, every idea, has a place at the table. We are excited to engage with broadcasters, intergovernmental agencies, innovators, academia and the global funding community to achieve this.