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At the 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana, experts highlighted that although Africa has much to gain from the fourth industrial revolution, especially artificial intelligence (AI), the continent must first tackle its fundamental infrastructure challenges. As AI becomes a global transformative force, Africa’s ability to leverage this technology depends on closing the existing digital divide.
Dr Pedro Conceicao, one of the authors of the forthcoming 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), addressed the limitations of AI in sub-Saharan Africa, noting that in contrast to other regions, AI in Africa is more likely to augment rather than replace jobs. Dr Conceicao argued that AI should be viewed not merely as a technological marvel, but as a tool that can enhance human capabilities. “Instead of looking at AI as a technology that might surpass human performance, the focus should be on how it can augment human development,” he stated, outlining a vision of AI as a force for social good, provided it is integrated into the right institutional and policy frameworks.
The conference highlighted Africa’s infrastructural deficiencies, which threaten to undermine the continent’s ability to leverage the benefits of digital transformation. Natalie Jabangwe, Executive Secretary of the Timbuktoo Foundation, raised concerns about Africa’s readiness for AI due to persistent gaps in basic infrastructure, particularly in electricity and data connectivity.
Rwanda, with its aspirations to become a leader in AI on the continent, has faced similar challenges. Alain Ndayishimiye, Head of AI and Machine Learning at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Rwanda, noted that while Kigali has made strides towards digitalisation, significant obstacles remain, particularly in terms of infrastructure, regulation, and workforce preparedness. Rwanda’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious digital transformation agendas are contingent on overcoming foundational challenges such as data quality, privacy concerns, and regulatory hurdles.
Despite these challenges, some African nations have made notable progress in improving digital infrastructure. Botswana and Namibia, for instance, have made significant strides in enhancing digital connectivity, providing public access to online services in schools and hospitals, and reducing data costs for citizens. These efforts, while still in their infancy, point to the potential for digital technologies to transform lives and drive economic development, provided the right infrastructural conditions are in place.
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The AEC, co-hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), concluded on a note of cautious optimism. The event, which brought together a diverse group of leaders, business executives, academics, and young researchers, highlighted the need for Africa to strengthen its institutional frameworks and invest in the necessary infrastructure to realise its digital transformation goals.
