Collins Sefa Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform Africa’s development landscape, even as the continent grapples with a significant technology gap.
According to Lacina Koné, Director General of Smart Africa, AI can revolutionize information accessibility, allowing even those with limited literacy to interact with and benefit from public services. This, he argues, will play a crucial role in helping African nations achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“When deployed inclusively, AI will enable people who do not speak French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, or Spanish to actively participate in development,” Koné explains.
Unlocking AI’s Potential in Key Sectors
Experts highlight that AI could greatly enhance decision-making in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare by providing better access to critical information. However, reaping these benefits is not guaranteed.
A recent white paper by the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with Microsoft Research and Philanthropies, the University of Pretoria, Lelapa AI, and Oxford University, emphasizes that AI-driven productivity gains in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing depend on strong digital infrastructure, sound policies, and investment in human capital.
The report, AI and the Future of Work in Africa, estimates that in South Africa, generative AI-driven productivity improvements could contribute 0.5% to GDP growth through automation. However, the study also underscores AI’s dual impact—while creating new job opportunities, it may also displace workers in routine industries, necessitating large-scale re-skilling and up-skilling efforts.
Challenges in Digital Infrastructure and Internet Accessibility
Koné acknowledges that Africa faces significant digital infrastructure challenges, particularly in connectivity and data centers, which are essential for AI adoption.
“Only 46% of Africa’s population uses the internet, but this doesn’t mean that coverage is lacking. Network coverage extends to 85%, yet actual usage lags due to affordability barriers,” he explains.
Research conducted by Smart Africa and the World Bank identifies four major hurdles to AI’s future on the continent:
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Low internet penetration rates
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Limited access to smart devices
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Scarcity of locally relevant content
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Cybersecurity concerns
Additionally, policy harmonization and supportive legislation for startups will be key to fostering AI innovation across Africa.
Data Sovereignty: The Key to Africa’s AI Future
As AI continues to evolve, data ownership will become increasingly critical.
“Data is the new oil,” Koné asserts, emphasizing that Africa must retain control over its data. “The future battle is over data. AI’s success depends on the mass availability of digital data, and Africa must harmonize its policies to ensure sovereignty over its own data.”
However, Africa currently lacks the necessary data center infrastructure to retain its data.
“Out of 8,000 data centers globally, only 152 are in Africa. This is a serious concern,” Koné warns. “If Africa wants true digital sovereignty, we must develop models that align with our values, cultures, and unique regional realities.”
Smart Africa: Driving Digital Transformation Across the Continent
As Africa moves toward a digital future, Smart Africa—a pan-African initiative launched in 2013 by seven African leaders—has taken on the mission of accelerating digital growth. The organization now represents 41 member states and 1.2 billion people.
Koné outlines Smart Africa’s five core objectives:
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Integrating ICT into Africa’s socio-economic development
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Expanding high-speed digital infrastructure
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Promoting transparency in governance through digital tools
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Empowering African businesses and startups
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Fostering innovation among young entrepreneurs
He underscores the need for harmonized regulations across Africa to unlock digital opportunities.
“The regulatory framework can determine whether a country succeeds or fails in the digital economy. Africa must be seen as a single, vast market rather than fragmented states,” he emphasizes, contrasting Africa’s regulatory challenges with the success of nations like Singapore.
Partnerships for a Smarter Africa
Smart Africa works closely with governments, development partners, civil society, and academic institutions to shape national digital strategies. Various African nations are focusing on specific digital initiatives:
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Rwanda is developing smart cities
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Benin is focusing on digital identity systems
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Ghana is leading efforts on pan-African electronic payments
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Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening cybersecurity frameworks
The organization is currently overseeing 18 master plans for emerging technology programs across the continent.
Koné highlights Smart Africa’s four key focus areas:
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Connectivity – Improving internet access across the continent
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Innovation – Supporting tech startups and entrepreneurs
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Transformation – Enhancing digital governance and regulatory frameworks
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Acceleration – Fast-tracking AI adoption through partnerships
A $2.9 Trillion Opportunity
For Africa, AI represents a $2.9 trillion economic opportunity by 2030, but seizing this potential requires strategic action.
“AI is not just a revolution—it’s an evolution of the digital ecosystem we are already building,” Koné affirms. “Our focus for the next two years will be on connectivity, innovation, policy harmonization, and training. This is our battlefield.”
