In a significant gathering at the State House Nairobi, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, led an important call to action focused on “Building Safer Digital Spaces for Children in Africa in an AI-Driven World.” This event was a key part of the Africa Forward Summit (AFS) and highlighted a shared commitment across the continent to ensure that technological growth does not compromise child safety.
The event attracted notable African leaders, including First Ladies and spouses such as H.E. Lauriane Darboux épouse Doumbouya from Guinea, H.E. Marisoa Elisa Berthine from Madagascar, H.E. Philile Dlamini from Eswatini, and Hon. Neema Ngure Nchemba, wife of the Tanzanian Prime Minister. Adding significant historical weight to the dialogue was H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, along with representatives from World Vision International, the United Nations, and global technology leaders.
In her keynote address, First Lady Rachel Ruto stressed that while Africa’s rapid digital growth offers unprecedented educational and economic opportunities, it also brings complex risks that current systems cannot address. She called for a “safe-by-design” approach to Artificial Intelligence, arguing that safety should be a core part of the digital economy. “Progress must never outpace protection,” she said, pointing to Kenya’s proactive rollout of the National AI Strategy (2025-2030) as a model for responsible innovation.
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The discussions shifted from theory to practical solutions. Participants focused on creating harmonized regional regulations to stop digital offenders from taking advantage of gaps in jurisdiction and on ensuring sustainable funding for survivor services. Hon. Neema Ngure Nchemba highlighted the need for digital content to remain culturally sensitive and age-appropriate.
By emphasizing the “voice of the youth,” the event incorporated views from young representatives who will shape this digital future. As the Africa Forward Summit wraps up, the resolutions arising from this session show a united African commitment to ensure that the next generation is not only connected to the world but also protected within it.
