The successful conclusion of the Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence: Africa (GIAA) Conference marks a milestone in U.S.-Africa collaboration on critical and emerging technologies. This event underscores the United States’ commitment to fostering inclusive, ethical, and innovative AI development and deployment across the African continent. 

The GIAA Conference laid a foundation for future cooperation among the United States, Nigeria, and other African nations in the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. By bringing together a diverse array of more than 370 stakeholders, the conference has initiated crucial dialogues on AI governance, safety, and applications toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr. Seth Center, stated, “The GIAA Conference exemplifies our shared vision for a technologically cutting-edge, inclusive Africa. The United States is committed to supporting African partners in harnessing AI’s potential to address critical development challenges while ensuring the development and deployment is safe, secure, and trustworthy.” 

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Joy Basu, added, “This conference reaffirms our belief that Africa’s greatest asset is its incredible young, talented population. By investing in African AI talent and fostering collaboration, we’re not just shaping the future of technology – we’re creating opportunities that will drive economic growth and improve lives across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.”

The United States looks forward to building on the momentum generated by this conference through continued engagement with African partners, including: 

Collaborating on AI governance frameworks that prioritize transparency, security, and human rights
Supporting initiatives that expand access to AI tools and education across Africa
Fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation and inclusive economic growth in the AI sector
Exploring the application of AI into relevant and important use cases such as agriculture and health. 

This conference reinforces the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Africa’s digital transformation and sets the stage for deeper technological cooperation between the United States and African partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises Mr Pravin Gordhan, who has passed away at the age of 75, following a period of illness.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Mr Gordhan’s spouse, Ms Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother, Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal.

The President’s thoughts are with former Minister Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations with whom he established relationships as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and Member of the National Executive.

He served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement.

Mr Gordhan was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.

His contribution to the public sector arose from his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, including his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and ‘80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and military military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress.

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Mr Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue and was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

2023 marked 50 years since Mr Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree which led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.

In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.

President Ramaphosa said: “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.

“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.

“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much needed and deserved time together. 

“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution. 

“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

On Saturday, September 7, U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, in collaboration with International Community School of Addis Ababa, hosted a U.S. university fair, attended by more than 6,500 potential graduate and undergraduate students interested in studying in the United States. The event featured more than 35 U.S. universities from across the United States, showcasing the breadth programs and opportunities available for Ethiopian and international students in the U.S. higher education system.

The fair provided the 6,500 students, parents, and educators who attended with a valuable opportunity to learn about the U.S. higher education system, ask university representatives about application processes, fields of study, financial aid, and student life.

During the event, Deputy Chief of Mission Gwendolyn Green emphasized the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to promoting U.S. post-secondary education and encouraged Ethiopian students to pursue their academic goals in the United States. She toured the fair, interacted with university representatives, and spoke to prospective students.

U.S. universities continue to be popular with Ethiopian students, with more than 3,000 Ethiopian students studying in the United States last year. This makes Ethiopia one of the top five Sub-Saharan countries of origin for international students in the United States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia.

On 7 September 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo in collaboration with the Thai Students’ Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage organised a training session on ‘Careers and Skills Guidance’ at the Al-Sheikh Zayed Center, Al-Azhar University. It aimed to motivate the students to start thinking and preparing themselves for the world of work after graduation. The Embassy invited distinguished speakers included Coach Jimi, Potchanarat Seebungkerd, founder of Jimi The Coach -Thailand Coaching Academy and Song Sook Social Enterprise, with more than 20 years of coaching experience, and Coach Natshaad Nantaterm, CEO of Jimi The Coach, to give advice on building a positive attitude, living a balanced life, having self-awareness and recognising others, understanding our life goals and higher purposes, as well as following our dreams.

In addition, Mr. Tanit Loipimai, Minister Counsellor and Mr. Chartchai Tiamsanit, Counsellor from the Office of Labour Affairs, the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, shared insights about job opportunities abroad, especially the job market in the Middle East, as well as the required knowledge, necessary skills and relevant regulations. The session was well received by the Thai students, with 88 students participated.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.