NAIROBI, Kenya- In a landmark collaboration, Rwanda and Singapore unveiled the AI Playbook for Small States during the United Nations Summit of the Future (SOTF) in New York City.
This resource is designed to help smaller nations overcome the hurdles of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) strategies.
Developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the playbook offers a clear, actionable guide for small states eager to tap into AI’s transformative potential.
Small states, often constrained by limited resources and technical expertise, face unique challenges in adopting AI.
These nations, however, now have a roadmap tailored specifically for them. The playbook is a product of the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS), an initiative launched in 2022 to foster collaboration on digital policy and technology among small states.
Led by Singapore, Digital FOSS gathered input from these nations to identify common obstacles and successful strategies in the AI space.
According to Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, the playbook not only highlights the best practices for AI implementation but also serves as a crucial tool in shaping global AI discourse.
It reflects Singapore and Rwanda’s commitment to helping small states tackle governance, talent shortages, and resource limitations, paving the way for equitable digital growth.
More importantly, it provides guidance on balancing AI development with societal impact, ensuring AI serves as a force for good.
AI isn’t just a tech trend for these nations—it’s a catalyst for growth. Rwanda, for instance, has already adopted a national AI policy aimed at boosting productivity across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and finance.
The country’s ICT Minister, Paula Ingabire, emphasized AI’s potential to generate around $589 million in economic value, showing just how significant AI could be in transforming Rwanda’s future.
But Rwanda isn’t the only nation banking on AI’s potential. The AI Playbook for Small States encourages other small countries to leverage AI to drive innovation, enhance public services, and spur economic growth.
By sharing case studies and policy recommendations, the playbook helps these states create strategies that are both scalable and sustainable.
The AI Playbook is designed to evolve as AI technology advances, ensuring it remains relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
As a “living document,” it will be continually updated with new insights, technologies, and best practices from small states around the world. This collaborative approach ensures that no small state is left behind in the AI revolution.
The launch of the playbook symbolizes a new era of cooperation among small states, one where knowledge sharing and resource pooling become the norm.
By working together, countries like Singapore and Rwanda are leading the charge in creating an inclusive, tech-driven future.
As AI continues to reshape industries globally, this playbook gives small states the tools they need to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
With support from initiatives like Digital FOSS and global frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), small states are well-positioned to harness AI’s full potential, driving both economic prosperity and societal well-being.
