Kenya to host global military AI summit in April 2027, Africa’s first
Previous editions have largely been held in Europe and Asia, making Kenya’s selection a landmark moment for Africa’s participation in shaping global AI.
Ambassador Philip Thigo with Michael Karimia, Director for Digital Diplomacy at Microsoft, and Yasmin Afina, Researcher at UNIDIR. (Photo: Philip Thigo/X)
Kenya has been selected to host the fourth edition of the 'Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit' in April 2027, becoming the first African nation to host the global forum on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in military operations.
The announcement was made in Geneva by Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, on behalf of Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya during the AI, Security and Ethics Conference.
The REAIM Summit brings together governments, defence institutions, technology companies, academia and international organisations to discuss the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence in military operations while safeguarding international peace and security.
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Speaking after the announcement, Ambassador Thigo said the Nairobi summit would focus on translating policy discussions into practical implementation of responsible AI frameworks.
“The Summit will focus on practical implementation of responsible AI through capacity building, institutional readiness, international cooperation, and deeper engagement between governments, defence institutions, industry, academia and international organisations,” he said.
Thigo added that Kenya was ready to welcome the international community to Nairobi for discussions on the intersection of artificial intelligence, security, ethics and global peace.
“Kenya looks forward to welcoming the global community to Nairobi to shape the crucial frameworks where military artificial intelligence meets international peace, safety, and ethics,” he said.
The hosting rights underscore Kenya’s growing influence in global technology governance and digital diplomacy. The decision places Nairobi at the centre of international discussions on how emerging technologies can be responsibly deployed within defence and security sectors.
The REAIM Summit has emerged as one of the world’s leading platforms addressing opportunities and risks associated with military applications of AI. Previous editions have largely been held in Europe and Asia, making Kenya’s selection a landmark moment for Africa’s participation in shaping global AI governance.
The 2027 summit is expected to attract senior government officials, military leaders, technology experts, researchers and policymakers from around the world, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional hub for innovation, diplomacy and emerging technologies.