AIFOD Presents First Small Takes the Lead Honours at Geneva Summit

The AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), which publishes this website, unveiled the inaugural recipients of its Small Takes the Lead global recognition scheme on 14 August 2026 during its summit in Geneva. The initiative was established to spotlight practical artificial intelligence leadership beyond the largest companies, models and investments, focusing instead on impactful decisions taken by smaller nations, institutions and individuals across developing economies.

Six categories were considered in this inaugural edition, and four recognitions were confirmed. South Africa’s Western Cape Department of Infrastructure received the Small Nation AI Leadership recognition, represented by Deputy Director-General Labeeqah Schuurman, for combining long-term infrastructure planning with digital tools, transparent evaluations and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Community Impact and Digital Foundations

The AI for Public Good recognition went to Sadi Mahmud, Deputy Executive Director of SETU Bangladesh, for integrating AI readiness into climate resilience, education and digital inclusion programmes; Chandan Kumar Das accepted the award on his behalf. Tola Yusuf, Founding Partner of Nigeria's Infratel Africa, secured the Global South Partnership recognition in acknowledgement of deploying nearly 1,000 telecommunications sites and over 2,000 kilometres of optical fibre to connect more than 350 communities, providing essential physical groundwork for digital access. John Chibuzor Nwachukwu of AIFOD accepted on Yusuf's behalf.

Finally, the Responsible AI Leadership honour was awarded to Vibhav Mithal, Associate Partner at Indian law firm Anand and Anand. The presentation acknowledged his work in strengthening responsible AI capability in India, reinforcing the principle that developing countries must actively formulate their own standards regarding data governance, system training and technological ownership.