On June 3, the inaugural African Advanced Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Development took place at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco. In recent years, the rapid advancement of AI research and applications in Africa has opened significant development opportunities, poised to immensely impact the continent's socio-economic future.
The forum, themed "AI Technology: A Lever for Africa's Development," sparked extensive discussions on the consensus regarding the application of AI technologies in Africa. According to the latest assessments by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, AI could contribute $2.9 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, mirroring an annual growth rate of 3% similar to that of China’s GDP. Additionally, AI is becoming a key battleground for influential nations seeking to enhance their economic and technological presence in Africa.
Although Africa still lags behind regions like North America and East Asia in AI development, enthusiasm for AI research and applications is on the rise across the continent. Many countries are striving to catch up with global advancements in AI technologies. Both international organizations and the African Union recognize the crucial role of new technologies, including AI, in bolstering Africa's economic growth and social progress. In March 2022, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa established the continent's first AI research center in Brazzaville, Congo, aiming to promote digital policies and technological innovation.
The African Union has launched an AI development strategy, guided by overarching documents such as the Agenda 2063 and the African Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which provide strategic direction for AI growth across African nations. The report presented at the Third African Science and Innovation Forum highlighted that if Africa manages to capture 10% of the global AI market by 2030, the contribution to its economy could reach $1.5 trillion.
As AI applications accelerate, various African governments are actively supporting the AI industry through national strategies, policy enhancements, infrastructure investments, and regional collaborations. Countries like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and Tunisia are paving the way in digital economy initiatives and AI integration. South Africa has established a national data and cloud policy to enhance government databases and high-performance computing centers. Egypt's "Digital Egypt" initiative aims to drive digital transformation and innovation in governance, while Kenya's Digital Economy Blueprint emphasizes a framework centered on digital government and infrastructure.
The private sector, along with research institutions and universities across Africa, is increasingly engaging in AI development, with over 2,500 companies involved in AI technology applications—almost half of them established in recent years. AI is already making significant contributions in critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, urban management, and clean energy. These advancements will also support Africa in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and addressing pressing challenges such as economic growth and healthcare quality.
However, the journey towards AI advancement in Africa is fraught with challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited internet access, an underdeveloped IT ecosystem, and a shortage of skilled professionals. Moreover, there is a pressing need for high-quality, diverse data crucial for AI development. African nations face a paradox: while they experience high levels of unemployment, the automation spurred by AI raises concerns about job security.
Cooperation between China and Africa in the AI sector is fostering resource sharing, complementarity, and mutual benefits. China is currently one of the leading exporters of AI technology and products to Africa, with numerous Chinese enterprises actively engaging in AI initiatives on the continent. The partnership is advancing through various bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, focusing on improving digital infrastructure, such as smart cities, 5G networks, and cloud computing.
Moreover, collaborative efforts are enhancing AI talent development and capacity building through joint research and scholarships for African students in China to study subjects like AI, data science, and cybersecurity. The cooperation between China and Africa capitalizes on shared strengths in technology and investment, with a keen focus on fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities that align with sustainable development goals. Lastly, enhancing coordination within global frameworks, like the United Nations, will empower both regions to amplify the voice of developing countries in the conversations around global AI governance.
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