How AI Can Unlock Opportunities For Africa's Informal Economies

In this sixth and final episode of a special series of the Embedded podcast, host Zain Verjee speaks with Maxwell Gomera about how artificial intelligence can reshape international development across Africa. From his early work developing bio-economic models for elephant conservation to his current role leading UNDP's sustainable finance initiatives, Maxwell shares his vision for using AI to solve longstanding development challenges. The conversation explores how AI can unlock financial access for the informal sector, create jobs for Africa's growing youth population, and help communities address problems that have persisted for generations. Recorded at the Global AI Summit on Africa in partnership with The Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this episode examines how data sovereignty and locally-relevant AI solutions can create a more equitable path forward for the continent.