The Transformative Artificial Intelligence Research & Innovation (TAIRI) Lab at the University of Rwanda, one of the partners in the AI4D Network, was represented by Muyombano Happy Axel at the AI4D Annual Partners Meeting taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 19 October 2026.
The meeting brings together approximately 125 participants, including researchers, policymakers, innovators, and development partners, to exchange knowledge, share scientific findings, and explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to meaningful and lasting development impact across Africa.
One of the central discussions has been the need to ensure that AI capabilities advance alongside the capacity to govern these technologies responsibly and in the public interest. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, African countries must strengthen their research ecosystems, policy frameworks, and institutional capacity to ensure that these technologies address local priorities.
Another important theme has been inclusive AI development. Reaching the last mile means designing solutions that also serve people without smartphones, reliable internet connectivity, or access to advanced digital infrastructure. AI innovation must be responsive to the realities of the communities it seeks to serve.
The meeting has also emphasized the importance of scientific rigour in evaluating AI systems. Beyond developing models and prototypes, researchers must establish clear methodologies to assess performance, reliability, suitability, and real-world effectiveness. Discussions on the Theory of Change further highlighted the need to connect research activities and outputs to measurable outcomes and long-term impact, while accounting for unintended consequences.
Scaling research innovations remains another critical priority. Participants reflected on why some promising research-based startups struggle to move beyond the research stage and what can be done to strengthen the pathways connecting scientific discovery, commercialisation, policy, and adoption.
For the TAIRI Lab at the University of Rwanda, these discussions are particularly relevant to advancing responsible AI research and strengthening the connection between innovation and practical solutions to development challenges.
The engagement provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with partners across the AI4D Network, learn from implementation challenges, and contribute to ongoing conversations on how African research institutions can develop, evaluate, and scale AI solutions that respond to the continent's needs.
As the discussions continue, one message stands out: the success of AI should not be measured only by the technologies we develop, but also by the people we reach, the problems we solve, and the lasting impact we create.
Africa must not only participate in the development of AI; it must help shape its direction, governance, and application for inclusive and sustainable development.
