Africa at the Heart of the Hamburg Declaration: A New Era for Responsible AI and Sustainable Development

Hamburg, Germany – In a pivotal moment for international cooperation on digital technology, global leaders have come together at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) to endorse the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This landmark commitment places Africa and other developing regions at the centre of a global agenda to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a tool for equity, inclusion and sustainable development.

The Hamburg Declaration is the first of its kind to focus specifically on the role of AI in international development. It outlines a shared commitment from governments, the private sector, academia and civil society to ensure that AI is used to promote human rights, protect marginalised communities and address growing global inequalities. Importantly, it calls for particular attention to the needs and potential of developing countries, many of which are in Africa.

A call to unlock Africa’s potential

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner emphasised the transformative power of AI but noted that much of its promise remains unrealised across the Global South.

“Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative forces of our time, yet its potential remains unrealised for most developing countries,” Steiner said. “The Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for Sustainable Development represents a crucial commitment to harnessing AI responsibly, ensuring it promotes equity, connects communities, and addresses global inequalities.”

German Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan echoed this sentiment, stating that fair and sustainable AI access must become a global priority.

“Too many people remain excluded from the benefits of digital innovation,” she said. “The Hamburg Declaration marks a turning point. AI must become a force for good, a driver of inclusion, equality and sustainable development.”

For Africa, where rapid urbanisation, climate vulnerability and youth unemployment present urgent development challenges, responsible AI offers new possibilities for locally driven innovation, inclusive education and improved public services. The Declaration explicitly calls for greater support to develop local AI ecosystems in the Global South. It also urges investment in AI education, particularly for women and girls, who remain underrepresented in science and technology fields across much of Africa.

From principles to action

The Declaration is the result of collaborative work that began at the 2024 Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Over the past year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has led a series of inclusive consultations. These engagements involved voices from the public sector, civil society, business and academia in Africa and beyond.

The final Declaration is not just a statement of intent. It challenges stakeholders to act decisively by supporting local innovation, promoting inclusive governance of AI, and ensuring that no region is left behind in the digital future.

Africa’s role in shaping this future is vital. Countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa are already emerging as leaders in digital innovation. From AI-powered tools in agriculture and health care to locally developed language models and data platforms, African entrepreneurs and researchers are demonstrating that the continent is not merely a beneficiary of global tech but a key contributor to its responsible development.

Towards a more equitable digital future

The Hamburg Declaration comes at a time when global disparities in digital infrastructure, data access and technological capacity risk deepening existing inequalities. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in development strategies, the question is no longer whether Africa will be part of this transformation but how African nations can lead it in a way that centres local needs and knowledge.

By committing to equitable access, sustainable design and inclusive governance of AI technologies, the Hamburg Declaration signals a shift in global thinking. It reinforces the idea that sustainable development in the digital age cannot be achieved without the active participation and leadership of Africa.

As the HSC continues on 3 June, the challenge now is to move from words to action. African governments, innovators, and civil society must be supported not only to use AI but to shape its future. The Hamburg Declaration offers a powerful framework to do just that.

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