First Ladies from across Africa have issued a united call for enhanced protection of children in the rapidly evolving digital world, particularly concerning the expansion of artificial intelligence.

• The call was made during a High-Level Side Event on Building Safer Digital Spaces for Children in Africa, held on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
• Kenya's First Lady, Rachel Ruto, led the discussions, emphasizing the need for collective action from governments, tech companies, parents, and educators.
• The leaders advocated for a unified African approach combining regulation, education, and innovation to ensure technology empowers rather than harms children.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is set to introduce online assessments in senior schools starting in 2027, marking a significant transition from traditional paper-based exams.

• This initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide personalized student data for early interventions, building on successful e-assessments in teacher-training colleges where over 37,000 trainees have been examined digitally.
• Key organizations involved are the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Ministry of Education.
• The move will enhance students' digital literacy and incorporate adaptive technologies to support learners with special needs, though challenges like ICT infrastructure and cybersecurity risks are being addressed.

Kenyan President William Ruto has emphasized the critical role of education, youth empowerment, and digital innovation in driving Africa's future economic growth and prosperity.

• By 2050, Africa is projected to account for nearly a quarter of the world’s population, presenting a significant opportunity if invested in effectively.
• Ruto, speaking at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, stressed that demographic potential must be actively cultivated through education and technological advancement.
• Kenya is actively implementing reforms like Competency-Based Education (CBE) and expanding investment in TVET institutions to equip young people with relevant skills for emerging sectors.