AI Conference Examines Economic Growth in Africa and Caribbean
What happened
The Pan-African/Caribbean Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems Conference (PAAISS 2026) began at the University of Technology in Jamaica. The four-day conference gathered researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss how artificial intelligence can support growth across Africa and the Caribbean. Speakers included Anika Shuttleworth, Dr Paul Hector, Dr Jane Bassey Adams, and Senator Marlon Morgan.
From jamaica-gleaner.com
Why it matters
The conference emphasizes that artificial intelligence is moving from an emerging technology to a fundamental driver of economic and social transformation. This initiative supports broader calls for deeper educational and technological ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
Advocates are calling for deeper educational and technological ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
From jamaica-gleaner.com
Who's involved
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MicrosoftSpeculative
Microsoft could see market demand alignment for AI infrastructure investment.
- African Development BankSpeculative
African Development Bank may shift funding focus toward AI and digital infrastructure needs.
- World BankSpeculative
World Bank may influence funding direction based on global tech development trends.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Africa
continent
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Caribbean
region to the center-east of America composed of many islands / coastal regions surrounding the Caribbean Sea
Related events
- Stakeholders urged Nigeria to leverage Artificial Intelligence to boost the African creative economy.
- Ardo warns that Africa faces risks of exploitation due to the increasing use of AI technologies.
- AI adoption and cloud infrastructure investment are driving growth within African markets and the telecommunications sector.
- EU seeks partnership with Africa on development.
- Caribbean SIDS require a transformation strategy, with artificial intelligence identified as a potential driver for regional development.