NAIROBI, Kenya — May 12, 2026 — African First Ladies, policymakers, development partners, and global technology leaders convened at the State House in Nairobi for a high-level side event focused on protecting children in the digital age during the .Africa Forward Summit (AFS) 2026.
Hosted by Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, the event was themed “Building Safer Digital Spaces for Children in Africa in an AI-Driven World.” The dialogue brought together representatives from the United Nations, World Vision International, government officials, youth representatives, child protection advocates, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy and growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence technologies, which leaders said present both opportunities and risks for children.
Rachel Ruto Calls for Responsible Digital Progress
In her keynote remarks, First Lady Rachel Ruto emphasized the need to ensure that technological advancement does not compromise the safety and wellbeing of children.
“The same digital world that can unlock a child’s future can also place it at risk. Progress must never outpace protection,” she said.
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She noted that Kenya has continued to strengthen its digital transformation agenda through initiatives such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030) and the integration of digital literacy into the national curriculum.
According to the First Lady, governments, technology companies, educators, and families must work together to create safer online environments that uphold children’s dignity and rights.
Continental and Global Participation
The side event attracted high-level participation from African First Ladies and spouses, including:
- Lauriane Darboux épouse Doumbouya of Guinea
- Marisoa Elisa Berthine of Madagascar
- Philile Dlamini of Eswatini
- Neema Ngure Nchemba of Tanzania
Representatives from international organizations, development agencies, and the private sector also participated in the discussions, reflecting growing recognition of child online safety as a major policy issue globally.
Focus on AI, Digital Literacy, and Child Protection
The dialogue centered on several key themes, including responsible AI development, digital literacy, online safety regulations, and youth participation in digital policy conversations.
Participants called for stronger safeguards in AI systems to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, cyberbullying, and misinformation.
Among the major proposals discussed were:
- Development of child-safe AI frameworks and digital platforms
- Greater cross-border cooperation on online child protection laws
- Expansion of digital literacy programs for children, parents, and teachers
- Increased involvement of young people in technology policy discussions
- Promotion of culturally sensitive and age-appropriate digital content
Tanzania’s representative, Neema Ngure Nchemba, emphasized the importance of ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with African values and cultural contexts.
Part of a Wider Continental Agenda
The side event formed part of the broader Africa Forward Summit 2026, co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together African Heads of State, global investors, UN officials, and technology leaders to discuss innovation, economic growth, climate action, and digital transformation across the continent.
With Nairobi hosting thousands of delegates over the past two days, the summit further reinforced Kenya’s position as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
A Shared Commitment to Children’s Safety
As discussions concluded at the State House Pavilion, leaders underscored the need for sustained collaboration to ensure that Africa’s digital future remains safe and inclusive for children.
The event ended with a shared call for stronger partnerships between governments, civil society, international organizations, and the technology sector to place child protection at the center of Africa’s digital transformation journey.
