Oman Participates in Global AI Summit in Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda — Oman has reaffirmed its commitment to global digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) by actively taking part in the Global AI Summit on Africa 2025. The summit was hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, from April 3–4, under the theme: “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
Organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda (C4IR Rwanda), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the summit gathered more than 1,000 participants from 95 countries. Among them were international policymakers, government officials, tech entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and over 100 AI-focused companies.
The high-profile event focused on exploring how AI can drive economic growth, increase competitiveness, and prepare nations—particularly in Africa—for the digital future. Discussions highlighted the importance of aligning AI innovation with local priorities, particularly in job creation, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Oman’s Role and Representation
The Sultanate of Oman was represented by a high-level delegation led by Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) for Communications and Information Technology.
The Omani delegation also included experts and officials from prominent national technology companies such as:
- ITCHA Group – a key Omani tech incubator
- Omantel – the country’s leading telecom operator
- Oman Data Park – a major provider of cloud and cybersecurity solutions
This participation showcased Oman’s growing interest in positioning itself as a regional hub for AI and digital technologies.
Oman’s Objectives at the AI Summit
Oman’s primary goal at the summit was to engage in global dialogue about AI advancements and contribute to discussions on emerging technologies. The delegation aimed to:
- Share insights and learn from best practices around the world
- Promote Oman’s AI-driven initiatives and digital transformation efforts
- Strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders
- Attract foreign investment into Oman’s tech ecosystem
- Explore opportunities for knowledge transfer and joint ventures in AI and ICT
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Al Shidhani emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in AI and digital innovation. He noted that Oman’s Vision 2040 places strong emphasis on building a knowledge-based, diversified economy, and technology is a key driver in achieving that vision.
Key Events and Themes of the Summit
The two-day summit featured a variety of engaging events including keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops, and live exhibitions. Topics ranged from ethical AI use to national AI policy frameworks and investment trends.
Some of the core themes included:
- Leveraging AI to empower Africa’s young workforce
- Digital inclusion and closing the gender gap in tech
- Building resilient AI infrastructure across developing economies
- Ethical AI governance and regulation
- Strengthening public-private partnerships for AI advancement
Startups and scale-ups from Africa demonstrated practical AI applications across industries such as agriculture, health, logistics, and fintech. This provided a great platform for networking and collaboration between global players and emerging tech innovators from Africa.
Launch of the Africa AI Council
One of the key milestones of the summit was the official launch of the Africa AI Council. This new body has been established to lead Africa’s collective efforts in developing and implementing AI strategies.
The council aims to:
- Drive policy alignment across African nations
- Mobilize resources for AI education and infrastructure
- Facilitate international partnerships and investment
- Ensure inclusive and ethical use of AI across the continent
The council will work closely with regional governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and tech companies to turn Africa’s AI potential into tangible impact.
Strengthening Oman-Rwanda Ties
On the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Al Shidhani held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation. The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of:
- Digital infrastructure development
- AI education and capacity building
- Innovation policy and regulation
- Cybersecurity frameworks
- Start-up ecosystem exchange
Rwanda’s rapid digital transformation has drawn global attention in recent years. Oman is keen to learn from its experience and explore future opportunities for joint initiatives in tech innovation.
Why This Matters for Oman
Oman’s presence at the Global AI Summit signals its growing ambition to play a leading role in digital transformation, not just regionally, but globally. With strategic initiatives like the National AI Strategy and ongoing efforts to digitize public services, Oman is building a strong foundation for an AI-powered future.
The summit allowed Omani stakeholders to:
- Showcase national projects and innovations in AI
- Attract interest from international tech partners and investors
- Explore AI use cases relevant to Oman’s economy—such as logistics, energy, and tourism
- Stay up to date with cutting-edge developments in AI governance and policy
Participating in global events like these helps Oman align its technological goals with international standards while opening new doors for innovation and growth.
Final Thoughts
Oman’s involvement in the Global AI Summit in Rwanda reflects a broader vision to become a smart nation, driven by digital innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and societies, proactive engagement in the global tech community is vital.
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