The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa is facing significant hurdles, with experts warning that it may take up to 10 years for the continent to catch up with the developed world. Despite the potential of AI to drive economic growth, African nations are struggling to overcome challenges such as data scarcity, skills shortage, insufficient tech infrastructure, and a lacklustre attitude towards the technology. According to innovation executers, the lack of trained professionals and sufficient data is hindering the development of AI models that can perform tasks intelligently. Moreover, the continent’s poor internet penetration rates and outdated mobile technology are exacerbating the problem. While some countries like Kenya have enacted data legislation to regulate the processing and usage of personal information, the lack of customized data for the African context remains a major pain point. Amid the challenges, corporate firms that have embraced AI have reported enhanced efficiency, prompting players in the space to devise new strategies to drive uptake.
AI in Africa – A Decade Behind
“Technology is one of the domains that are rapidly evolving and AI is right at the heart of it.”
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