Africa’s role in global AI economy highlighted by Elizabeth Jack-Rich
Dr Elizabeth Jack-Rich, CEO of ELIN Group, emphasized Africa’s pivotal position in the future of the global Artificial Intelligence economy. She highlighted the continent’s resource base and industrial potential as key drivers for technological progress. At the UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, Jack-Rich challenged the prevailing view of AI as solely a software issue, underscoring the importance of physical infrastructure and raw materials. Her remarks spotlighted Africa’s opportunity to build integrated industrial capacity and engage with global capital on equal terms.
TLDR
- Elizabeth Jack-Rich spoke at the UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held on April 25 at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Centre in Washington, DC.
- She argued that Africa’s resources and industrial capacity are central to the future of the global AI economy.
- Jack-Rich stated that AI’s growth relies on physical infrastructure, such as power, copper, and rare earths, not just software.
- She explained that her company, ELIN Group, is focused on building an operating platform essential to the AI economy, rooted in Africa.
- The conference gathered global leaders and professionals for discussions on leadership, innovation, and resilience in the changing economy.
