Arabfields, Conakry, Guinea — As Africa continues to embrace the digital revolution, the Republic of Guinea is set to host the 7th edition of the Transform Africa Summit (TAS) from November 12 to 14, 2025. Organized by the Smart Africa Alliance, this landmark event will convene heads of state, ministers, business leaders, investors, and young innovators under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.” With a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence’s role in transforming key sectors, the summit promises to spotlight how AI can drive sustainable development, particularly in agriculture, a cornerstone of many African economies, including Guinea’s.
The choice of Conakry as the venue marks a historic first for the TAS, bringing the event to West Africa for the first time. Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the three-day gathering aims to foster policies, projects, and partnerships that position Africa as a key player in the global AI value chain. Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya is expected to attend, underscoring the nation’s commitment to digital advancement. According to the summit’s concept note, discussions will cover AI’s applications in governance, entrepreneurship, ethical practices, infrastructure, and social impact, with a broader goal of accelerating socio-economic transformation through a Single Digital Market.
At the heart of this year’s agenda is the integration of AI into strategic sectors such as healthcare, energy, education, and notably, agriculture. In Guinea, where agriculture contributes significantly to the GDP and employs a large portion of the population, the focus on digital innovations could be transformative. Key crops like coffee, cacao, and rice, vital to local livelihoods and exports, stand to benefit from AI-driven optimizations. Experts anticipate sessions exploring how AI can enhance crop yields, predict environmental challenges, and promote sustainable farming practices tailored to African contexts.
Innovations in AI for agriculture are already making waves across the continent. For instance, AI-powered precision farming tools use sensors, drones, and satellite data to monitor soil conditions, detect diseases early, and optimize irrigation and fertilization. In cacao production, a major export for countries like Guinea, “cacaobots” and AI analytics enable farmers to predict pod development with high accuracy, reducing waste and boosting productivity. Similarly, for coffee plantations, AI models analyze data to forecast yields and streamline distribution, helping smallholders compete in global markets. Rice farming, a staple in Guinea’s agricultural landscape, can leverage AI advisory services that provide real-time, tailored recommendations to combat pests and improve resilience against climate change.
These advancements align with broader efforts to empower local entrepreneurs and youth, who are increasingly using AI to address indigenous challenges. The summit will feature exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies, networking opportunities, and high-level panels to bridge global perspectives with local realities. Organizers emphasize ethical AI, data privacy, and digital inclusion to ensure that innovations benefit all, including women and rural communities.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds for tangible outcomes, such as new investments in digital infrastructure and collaborative initiatives. Smart Africa, the alliance behind TAS, has a track record of driving ICT policies, digital skills, and broadband access across its member states. For Guinea, hosting the summit not only highlights its growing role in Africa’s digital ecosystem but also positions it to leverage AI for economic diversification beyond mining and agriculture.
In a continent where agriculture employs over 60% of the workforce, the Transform Africa Summit 2025 could mark a pivotal moment in harnessing AI to innovate locally while making a global impact. As delegates gather in Conakry, the world will watch how Africa charts its path in the AI era.
