AI in Africa accelerates a critical shift in economic development

AI is being positioned as a transformative driver of Africa’s economic future. A roadmap unveiled by the African Development Bank estimates that AI could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP by 2035, representing nearly one-third of the continent’s current output.

However, the opportunity is time-sensitive. Delays in implementation risk widening digital inequalities and increasing dependence on technologies developed elsewhere. Early progress, particularly by 2026, is considered essential to sustain momentum and attract long-term investment.

Rather than distributing AI evenly across the economy, the roadmap prioritises five sectors expected to capture most gains: agriculture, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, finance, and health. This targeted approach reflects resource constraints and the need to demonstrate measurable impact in high-employment and high-growth industries.

Despite its potential, Africa faces structural constraints. The continent accounts for only a small share of global AI compute capacity, while data infrastructure and cloud presence remain limited. Without expanded data centres, affordable computing resources, and improved connectivity, AI deployment may remain uneven.

The strategy rests on five core enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital. Each pillar presents challenges, particularly in ensuring data accessibility, building technical expertise, and mobilising sustainable investment. Skills development is especially critical, as Africa represents a small portion of the global AI talent pool and significant literacy gaps persist.

The roadmap outlines three implementation phases between 2025 and 2035: ignition, consolidation, and scale. Success will depend on coordinated action, early infrastructure development, and cross-border collaboration.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!