Smiling Through Light

✨Reflections from the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Future Forum 2026 - AI in Africa ✨

One of the most thought-provoking discussions at the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Future Forum 2026 was around AI sovereignty and the need for Africa to build AI that reflects African realities.

A comment described much of today’s AI as “bicycle AI for Africa”; technology designed elsewhere and simply adapted for the continent, rather than built from African languages, cultures, markets and lived experiences.

If AI is to unlock inclusive growth across Africa, we need more than adoption. We need African datasets, African languages and African-led innovation to form the foundation of the next generation of AI.

This is where pre-stage companies like SanKam have an important role to play. Rather than treating African languages as an afterthought, SanKam is being built around the belief that language infrastructure is critical to Africa’s digital future and economic growth. Breaking down language barriers is not just about translation, it is about enabling trade, improving access to information and ensuring African languages have a place in the AI ecosystem.

Africa has an opportunity not only to use AI, but to shape it. Building our own language infrastructure is an important step towards both trade and language sovereignty.

It was also great to reconnect with Erick Sirali from TradeMark Africa. We first met in Kenya in April, so it was a pleasure to continue the conversation in London.

The discussions at the Forum reinforced one thing: the future of AI in Africa should not be built for Africa, it should be built by Africa.

I'm delighted to be speaking at the African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) 2026, AFFORD UK's flagship annual event, taking place on Saturday 4th July 2026 at SOAS University of London.

This year's theme, "Africa Reimagined: Collective Action for a New Era", explores how the next generation of diaspora investors can drive decent job creation, employability, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth across Africa.

As members of the African diaspora, we have a unique opportunity to contribute not only through investment but also through knowledge exchange, innovation, partnerships and ecosystem building. I look forward to joining fellow leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics, and development practitioners in these important conversations.

I'm honoured to share the platform with an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Roopal Kanabar, David Smith, Jeanne Faulet-Ekpitini, Onyekachi Wambu, Vanessa Mulangala, Rose Yombo-Djema, Afzaal Mauthoor and many others.

If you're passionate about Africa's future and the role of the diaspora in shaping it, I encourage you to join us.

📅 Saturday 4th July 2026
📍 SOAS University of London
🌍 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUcpi2Sj

😊This made my day😊

“Hi Mariama, I trust all is well with you? Longtime.... I am visiting UK at the moment and thought about you. I remember the days you opened so many great doors and influence. I want to say Thank you again” 🙏🏾

One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is hearing from people years later who remember the opportunities, support, and doors you helped open for them.

Today I received this message, and it reminded me that impact isn’t always measured by awards or title; it’s often reflected in the lives we touch along the way. When your work is rooted in purpose, you may never fully know how far your influence reaches until someone takes the time to tell you.

I’m always humbled by how grateful people can be for what may have seemed like a simple act of kindness and support at the time. 🙏🏾

Never underestimate the power of investing in people. The seeds you plant today may become someone’s breakthrough tomorrow.🌺🌹🌺🌹

Thank You Mohamed Ishmael Fofanah😊

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