Abu dhabi: As a diamond sponsor of the Brazil-Africa Forum 2024, TRENDS Research and Advisory emphasised the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development in Africa, highlighting the promising opportunities this technology presents in achieving digital inclusion and financial empowerment for developing nations, particularly in Africa.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS, in his contribution to the session that was attended by Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil; Martin Mbeng, Dean of the African Heads of Mission in Brazil; Prof. João Bosco Monte, Founder and President of the Brazil Africa Institute; the Embassy of the UAE, represented by Maisoon Al Dah, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy in Brazil; and a number of leaders of global institutions and think tanks, stressed the importance of investing in AI infrastructure and building human capacity to fully benefit from this technology.
During the session, whose theme was ‘Artificial Intelligence: Boosti
ng Digital and Financial Inclusion’, he explained that AI can transform how we live and work and has the potential to drive economic growth and improve the lives of millions worldwide.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ali emphasised the importance of collaboration between think tanks, noting that such intellectual cooperation creates opportunities, overcomes challenges, and paves the way for a more prosperous future for the region and the world at large. He pointed to the international momentum surrounding AI and the accelerated pace of investments in this field, stressing the importance of exchanging views among researchers on the future of AI and its impacts in an interconnected world.
The CEO of TRENDS cited a World Bank report that confirms that digital transformation is currently driving development in Africa. He explained that enhancing the digital inclusion of individuals and families in Africa and boosting the capacity of African nations for digital transformation represents a gateway for them to benefit from the cu
rrent and future achievements of AI.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ali highlighted the prominent role of the UAE in enhancing the capabilities of African nations to develop their infrastructure and accelerate their ability to harness modern technology. He referred to UAE investments, initiatives and international partnerships aimed at bolstering Africa’s digital economy.
TRENDS concluded its statement by affirming the importance of continued efforts to develop and apply AI in Africa, focusing on capacity building and enhancing international cooperation. Dr. Al Ali expressed hope that the Brazil-Africa Forum would contribute to accelerating digital transformation in Africa and achieving sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of the Forum, TRENDS conferred to several scientific and research figures the TRENDS Research Medal, which is awarded to personalities who make significant contributions to the development of scientific research and who are committed to enhancing cooperation with TRENDS in promoting a cultur
e of scientific research across various fields.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS, presented the TRENDS Research Medal to Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil; Martin Mbeng, Ambassador of Cameroon and Dean of African Heads of Mission in Brasília; Maisoon Al Dah, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil; and João Bosco Monte, Founder and President of the Brazil-Africa Institute, in recognition of their efforts and support for the research work undertaken by TRENDS.
The honourees expressed their appreciation for this kind gesture and praised TRENDS for its significant international presence through its research, studies and foreign offices. They affirmed that scientific research represents a well-considered future with sound visions.
The Brazil-Africa Forum 2024, organised by the Brazil-Africa Institute with TRENDS Research and Advisory as a diamond sponsor, focused on ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation between Brazil and African countries, with
a focus on vital sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure. The forum was attended by a distinguished group of high-ranking officials, decision-makers, researchers, experts and officials.
The two-day specialised sessions paid significant attention to the agricultural sector, as Africa possesses vast areas of arable land, while Brazil has extensive expertise in agricultural production. The importance of exchanging knowledge and technology in this field was emphasised to achieve food security for both continents.
Participants in the forum discussed ways to leverage the enormous potential of renewable energy in both continents, particularly in solar, wind, and hydropower. The importance of investing in this sector to drive economic growth and create job opportunities was emphasised.
Sessions were dedicated to discussing infrastructure challenges in Africa and ways to attract private investment to develop this critical sector. Experts stressed the importance of public-private partnership
s in this regard.
Participants highlighted the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing financial inclusion in Africa, where millions of Africans still lack access to traditional financial services.
The participants at the Brazil-Africa Forum emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two continents in various fields to achieve sustainable development and improve the lives of their people. They agreed on the need to intensify joint efforts to implement shared investment projects and exchange knowledge and technology.
Source: Emirates News Agency