Africa voices interest to deepen tech sphere with Russia

(MENAFN) At the Global Digital Forum in Nizhny Novgorod, African representatives voiced a clear interest in forging closer partnerships with Russia in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The gathering, which began on Thursday, brought together global stakeholders to explore cooperative solutions for tech-driven economic development.

Eugénio Alberto Macumbe, head of Mozambique’s Digital Governance Division, expressed enthusiasm about his country’s efforts toward digital transformation and the role Russia could play in that journey.
“I think this forum is a great opportunity for developing countries like Mozambique to learn from global experts, including Russian experts on the digital transformation process,” he said, noting that Russia is “very advanced in this process.”

Kenyan researcher Risper Onyango raised concerns about the global deployment of AI technologies that often ignore African perspectives.
“We have suffered the heavy hand of the deployment of AI,” she said.
“They [these technologies] are not localized, they don’t share our story.” She criticized the disconnect between the environmental burden placed on African nations—such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo—and the limited returns they receive.

Onyango praised the forum's inclusive dialogue, highlighting the importance of collaborative development.
“It’s going to be something that is co-created for all the participants and then useful for all the societies represented,” she said.

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