At Engage-AI, we believe the Global Majority is not just catching up in the AI race; it is defining the course. In this week’s first edition, we spotlight real-world deployments and policy shifts that are actively reshaping how the Global South builds, governs, and utilizes AI.
Highlights This Week
Rwanda – AI as First Responder: Community health workers in Rwanda are trialing a smartphone-based AI assistant that helps triage and treat patients. The non-interventional study uses a medical record system powered by a large language model (LLM), with an expert panel reviewing outputs for accuracy. A promising early step in augmenting frontline care. Read more on Path.org.
Tanzania – AI Readiness at Policy Level: UNESCO unveiled Tanzania’s first National AI Readiness Assessment at the Africa Internet Governance Forum. The report outlines infrastructure, data governance, and capacity gaps. and sets the stage for an inclusive, ethical AI strategy that serves public needs.
Indonesia – A Sovereign AI Bet: Reuters reported that a new strategy paper recommends that Indonesia create a sovereign AI fund, led by Danantara Indonesia, to channel public-private investment toward national AI development. The model offers tax incentives and eyes full implementation by 2027–2029.
Kenya (Africa-Wide) – ACTS Launches New AI Institute: The African Centre for Technology Studies, with support from IDRC’s AI4D program, launched the ACTS AI Institute. With five pillars, responsible solutions, policy, jobs, capacity building, and data science, the institute focuses on agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience.
Islamic Finance – AI Meets Faith-Based Finance: The Islamic Development Bank Institute held its first AI Hackathon on Islamic Finance (May 8–10, 2025), inviting innovators to build AI-powered tools aligned with AAOIFI financial accounting standards—a niche move with vast potential.
Check in next week for more updates and comment to join our conversation on AI for Development.
