Pioneering Purposeful Innovation David Kpakima and Rasab Group at the Digital Government Summit 2025
In an era where artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future but a defining force of the present, the Digital Government Summit 2025 emerged as a global stage for innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas. Held under the theme “Technology for Trust and Transformation,” this year’s summit brought together a constellation of thought leaders, policymakers, and tech entrepreneurs committed to reshaping how governments and businesses engage citizens in the digital age.
Among the standout voices was David Kpakima, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of the Rasab Group—a rising leader in responsible AI and digital transformation across Africa.
With the quiet confidence of someone who has spent years turning vision into reality, David took the stage not with hyperbole, but with purpose.
“We’re not building AI to impress,” he began. “We’re building AI to empower—to serve governments, strengthen institutions, and improve people’s everyday lives.”
His keynote wasn’t just a presentation; it was a manifesto.
As the world navigates the opportunities and risks of AI, Rasab Group is carving a distinct path—one focused on intentional innovation. David underscored the company’s commitment to creating AI systems that enhance governance, drive equity, and respect privacy and ethics.
“We don’t see technology as neutral,” he said. “It reflects the values of those who build it. That’s why we’ve made it our responsibility to lead with transparency, accountability, and community trust.”
At a time when many solutions are built in silos, Rasab Group is working at the intersection of public need and technological possibility. From streamlining public service delivery in remote areas to powering digital identity systems with integrity, the company’s portfolio is grounded in real-world impact.
David emphasized that governments cannot—and should not—walk this road alone. The journey toward digital governance requires ecosystems of support: from civil society watchdogs and data scientists to regulators, entrepreneurs, and the citizens themselves.
“We believe in co-creation,” he noted. “That means working hand-in-hand with ministries, agencies, and community leaders to design AI systems that make sense culturally, economically, and ethically.”
He shared powerful examples from Rasab’s work in Sierra Leone and beyond, where AI has been used not only to optimize bureaucratic processes but also to amplify citizen voices, particularly in rural communities historically excluded from decision-making.
One of the most powerful moments of David’s talk came when he addressed the often-overlooked question of ethics in emerging technologies. While many companies treat ethical concerns as afterthoughts, Rasab places them at the center of its AI design process.
“We build with the assumption that every system we create affects someone’s rights, livelihood, or future. That’s why we integrate ethical frameworks from the first line of code.”
He spoke of developing AI audit tools, promoting data sovereignty, and training internal teams in bias detection and mitigation. According to David, responsible innovation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity if AI is to be truly transformative.
As the summit drew to a close, David left attendees with a powerful call:
“Innovation is not measured by how fast we build, but by how wisely we lead. The future belongs to those who can scale technology without losing sight of people.”
With Rasab preparing to launch new partnerships in digital health, e-governance, and education technology, the company’s journey is just beginning. And if David Kpakima’s message is any indication, Rasab isn’t just following trends—they’re shaping a new paradigm where technology is not just smarter, but kinder, fairer, and more inclusive.
Rasab Group is a West Africa-based technology and innovation company focused on developing AI-driven digital infrastructure for public and private sector transformation. With a mission to build responsible, inclusive, and scalable solutions, Rasab is at the forefront of reimagining governance, digital identity, and citizen engagement in emerging economies.
