At the end of April, I had the opportunity to participate as a panelist at the 5th edition of UPENDO Salon in Aachen.

This year’s theme was:

„Strategic Africa: From natural resources to the technologies of tomorrow.“

One of the discussions focused on a topic that is becoming increasingly important:

How do natural resources, industrial development, and artificial intelligence connect?

When we talk about AI, most people immediately think about algorithms, data, and software.

But AI starts much earlier.

It starts with the raw materials needed to manufacture semiconductors, data centers, batteries, sensors, smartphones, and computing infrastructure.

Many of these critical resources are found in Africa.

Yet too often, Africa is discussed only as a supplier of raw materials rather than as a future technology and innovation ecosystem.

What I found particularly valuable during the panel was the diversity of perspectives around the table:

Researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and technology enthusiasts discussing not only challenges but also opportunities.

The future is not just about extracting resources.

It is about creating value.

It is about developing skills.

It is about building industries.

And it is about ensuring that technological transformation creates opportunities for the next generation.

Thank you to the UPENDO team for organizing this inspiring event and for creating a space where these conversations can take place.

I left with even stronger conviction that the conversation about AI, technology, and innovation cannot be separated from the conversation about education, industrial development, and international collaboration.

What role do you think Africa should play in the AI economy of the future?

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