The Dubai AI Festival 2025 is honored to welcome His Excellency Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology in the Office of the President of Kenya, as a keynote speaker. A leading voice in tech diplomacy, digital development, and innovation policy across Africa, Ambassador Thigo represents the rising momentum for inclusive, ethical, and sovereign AI development on the continent.
Through his strategic leadership, Ambassador Thigo is helping shape Kenya’s—and Africa’s—position as an emerging global thought leader in building people-centered digital futures.
A Diplomatic Champion for Digital Transformation
As Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Thigo advises the highest levels of government on issues ranging from emerging technologies and data governance to multilateral digital cooperation and AI strategy. His work bridges diplomatic policy and technical innovation, ensuring that Kenya actively participates in shaping global tech norms while safeguarding national interests and social priorities.
Ambassador Thigo is deeply involved in:
- Pan-African digital collaboration initiatives
- National strategies on AI, data protection, and tech-driven development
- Global dialogue forums on digital rights, innovation equity, and responsible AI governance
Amplifying Africa’s Role in the Global AI Conversation
A tireless advocate for Africa’s digital sovereignty, Ambassador Thigo emphasizes the need for inclusive innovation ecosystems that are rooted in local knowledge, public good, and ethical design. His work has highlighted Africa’s potential not only as a consumer of technologies—but as a co-creator of the future of AI and digital infrastructure.
He is committed to empowering African nations to build resilient digital economies, support AI education and research, and contribute to global standards that reflect diverse cultural, social, and economic perspectives.
Keynote at Dubai AI Festival 2025: “AI for Humanity – An African Vision for Shared Intelligence”
At the Dubai AI Festival 2025, H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo will deliver a keynote titled:
“AI for Humanity: Kenya and Africa’s Path to Ethical and Inclusive Intelligence.”
In this keynote, he will explore:
- Africa’s strategic priorities in building sovereign AI and digital ecosystems
- The role of AI in advancing development goals, public services, and climate resilience
- Frameworks for global collaboration on responsible and rights-based AI
- The importance of tech diplomacy in shaping fair, transparent digital governance
His address will inspire policymakers, innovators, global development agencies, and civic tech leaders working to align technological advancement with equity, justice, and sustainability.
H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo’s participation in the Dubai AI Festival 2025 brings a bold and much-needed perspective—one where the future of AI is grounded in global cooperation, ethical innovation, and the lived realities of all people.
