Africa is at a pivotal moment with the rapid advancement of technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). The continent has the potential to harness AI as a powerful equaliser—a tool that can level the playing field and enable African nations to leapfrog traditional stages of development. However, this potential will only be realised if African nations act swiftly and decisively to unify their approach to AI governance and development. Without a coordinated and cohesive strategy, the continent risks being left behind in the global AI race, with significant consequences for its economic and social future. The continent’s current position in the global AI landscape is somewhat tentative, marked by a nascent but growing engagement with AI technologies. This stance risks turning African nations into mere recipients of external norms and technologies, rather than active contributors to the global AI narrative. To avoid this, African governments must proactively address the specific challenges AI presents.

On July 18, 2024, Qhala hosted a Health Sector AI Roundtable in Kenya, bringing together over 50 stakeholders from healthcare, technology, academia, and government. This event explored how AI can address critical healthcare challenges in Africa, focusing on improving access, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Key discussions included the need for local talent development, data sharing frameworks, and ethical AI implementation in healthcare. The roundtable highlighted innovative AI applications in areas such as disease prediction, diagnostic accuracy, and healthcare resource management, setting the stage for a transformative approach to healthcare in Africa.

In recent weeks, Kenya has experienced an unprecedented surge in Civic Tech development, driven by the passionate activism of Gen Z. As young Kenyans took to the streets to protest the Kenya Finance Bill 2024, a parallel digital movement emerged to educate and empower even more citizens.

The Nairobi Declaration on Fostering a Connected and Empowered Africa was adopted by African Digital and Tech Ministers on 25th April 2024. The declaration sets ambitious goals for internet access expansion, digital skills training, and collaborative frameworks to drive innovation and economic growth. It represents a united front in Africa's quest to become a leading force in the global digital landscape, emphasizing equality, inclusion, and sustainable development. Below, you can explore the full text of this landmark agreement that charts the course for Africa's digital future.

Image credit: Rens Dimmendaal & Johann Siemens / Better Images of AI / Decision Tree / CC-BY 4.0

Recent controversies surrounding AI, such as the Google Gemini incident, have intensified the global conversation on AI governance. While 2023 saw significant strides in AI regulation across the US, China, and the EU, the impact of hasty regulation on emerging markets, particularly in Africa, requires careful consideration.

The Nigerian Naira plunged 31% against the dollar , and the Kenyan Shilling lost 23% of its value in the past few months. These top two worst performers in Africa in 2024 are the continent's top two technology powerhouses. Therefore, while currency depreciation has had microeconomic implications, it highlights the dire need to take a critical look at Africa's innovation, technology, and AI ecosystem. Ory Okolloh, a prominent Technologist, Kenyan Investor and Philanthropist, posted this on her LinkedIn:

Her post represents the broader issue of access to computing in today's world and raises the question of digital sovereignty, a catchphrase used in the push for digital regulations.

In the first of a six-part paper, we have developed a framework through which we will contribute to Africans' discussions and perspectives on the design, development, and governance of Artificial Intelligence in Africa. This includes Data and Data Systems, AI Infrastructure, Talent, and Market.