Imagine using powerful AI tools without harming the planet. That’s the future many African leaders are working toward right now. On November 11, an important discussion took place in Conakry, Guinea, during the 7th Transform Africa Summit. UNESCO and the World Bank brought together policymakers, tech experts, and industry leaders from across Africa to talk about one key issue: how to make AI more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
AI is already helping Africa in many ways, from improving farming techniques to supporting healthcare services. However, it also uses a lot of energy, water, and land, especially through large data centers. This growing impact on the environment is raising concerns. To address this, the workshop focused on the idea of “Green AI”, which aims to reduce AI’s environmental footprint without slowing innovation.
The discussions highlighted two main approaches. The first is “Greening AI”, which means making AI systems more energy-efficient by improving how they are designed and used. The second is “Greening with AI”, where AI is used as a tool to solve environmental problems, such as tracking deforestation or improving renewable energy systems.
UNESCO shared findings from its report titled “Smarter, Smaller, Stronger: Resource-Efficient Generative AI and the Future of Digital Transformation.” The report showed that simple steps, like compressing AI models or using shorter inputs and outputs, can greatly reduce energy use. In fact, some methods can cut power consumption by more than 40–50%. For regions with limited resources, UNESCO also recommended using Small Language Models, which are much more energy-efficient while still delivering reliable results.
The World Bank added real-world examples, showing how countries such as Nigeria, Singapore, and Chile are including environmental rules in their national AI strategies. These efforts connect AI development with policies on energy, water, and climate protection.
The session was led by Leona Verdadero from UNESCO and Hawa Siga Diankon from the World Bank, who emphasized the need for AI systems that are both inclusive and planet-friendly. This approach aligns with global climate goals and is especially important for Africa, where digital growth is rapid but natural resources must be protected.
The message from the summit was clear: Africa has the chance to lead the world in sustainable AI. With smart policies and efficient technologies, innovation can move forward without damaging the environment. The next step is turning these ideas into real action across the continent.
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