Equipping Africa’s Next-Gen of AI Entrepreneurs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant dream for Africa – it’s a reality brimming with potential. Across the continent, young entrepreneurs are harnessing AI to tackle challenges unique to their communities, such as education, healthcare, and economic inequality. These trailblazers are not only solving pressing local issues but also carving out a place for Africa in the global AI landscape. However, for Africa’s AI ecosystem to truly thrive, its next generation of tech leaders needs more than ambition—they need robust support, infrastructure, and connectivity. The journey to unlocking AI’s full potential on the continent requires addressing significant challenges, such as limited skills development, high data costs, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. Let’s unpack the potential of AI on the continent, the hurdles that must be overcome, and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure Africa’s seat at the table of global innovation.

The AI Landscape in Africa

Africa’s AI story is one of resilience and ingenuity. Faced with socio-economic challenges, young innovators are developing AI-driven solutions tailored to their communities. From predictive analytics in agriculture to healthcare diagnostics powered by machine learning, these entrepreneurs are reimagining possibilities and creating tools that not only address local issues but also have global relevance.

For example, Onafriq (formerly MFS Africa), a leading digital payments network on the continent, has adopted a pan-African and multicultural approach. With a presence in around 40 countries, Onafriq connects over 500 million mobile money wallets across these African markets, enabling seamless cross-border transactions and fostering financial inclusion.

In Nigeria, LifeBank is tackling healthcare logistics with precision. The start-up leverages AI and data to connect blood banks to hospitals in need, ensuring that life-saving medical supplies are delivered efficiently. LifeBank’s platform also tracks oxygen, vaccines, and other critical supplies, addressing gaps in healthcare access and making a tangible difference in patient outcomes.

Other start-ups are similarly driving innovation in agriculture, one of Africa’s most vital sectors. Kenyan start-up Taimba, for example, reduces food wastage and streamlines the farm-to-market process by linking farmers directly to retailers. Recognising that rural farmers often lack access to proper storage facilities, Taimba sources perishable produce from these farmers at farmer-friendly rates and supplies it directly to retailers at below-market prices. This not only curbs food waste but also makes fresh produce more affordable for consumers.

In Morocco, PCS AGRI leverages AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to enhance agricultural productivity and decision-making. The company offers connected tools such as traps and platforms for estimating yields of crops like cherry tomatoes. Their solutions optimise operational management on farms and in packaging stations while improving communication with end customers. By integrating advanced technologies, PCS AGRI helps agro-industrialists streamline processes and boost efficiency.

The above showcases the potential of this technology, and this is just the beginning. It is estimated that by 2030, AI could add an estimated $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy, equivalent to an annual GDP increase of 3%. This figure highlights AI’s capacity to revolutionise industries, improve standards of living, and accelerate development across sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.

What fuels this wave of innovation? Part of the answer lies in Africa’s unique ability to leapfrog traditional developmental stages, leveraging mobile technology and connectivity to create cutting-edge solutions. As mobile devices become more widespread and accessible, this serves as a critical enabler, transforming how people connect, learn, and innovate across the continent. This synergy between mobile technology and AI lays the foundation for a vibrant future. Let’s explore this relationship in more detail.

Mobile As The Backbone of AI Entrepreneurship

If AI is the engine driving innovation, mobile technology is the fuel powering it. In Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile connectivity has emerged as a cornerstone of digital transformation. As of 2024, 572 million unique mobile subscribers have access to mobile networks, a number set to rise to 751 million by 2030.

This connectivity is vital as mobile phones are not just communication tools but rather gateways to education, commerce, and innovation. They enable AI entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences, test prototypes, and deploy cost-effective solutions at scale.

The transition to 4G and the rapid adoption of 5G are further unlocking possibilities. By 2030, 5G is forecasted to contribute $10 billion to the region’s economy, enhancing the speed and reliability of mobile services, which is an essential ingredient for developing AI solutions.

Yet, with every opportunity comes challenges. Despite the transformative power of mobile technology, the road for Africa’s AI entrepreneurs is riddled with obstacles, from skills shortages to internet accessibility issues. Let’s unpack these below.

Challenges Facing AI Entrepreneurs

Despite the promise of AI, African entrepreneurs face several barriers, which include:

• Skills Development – Many aspiring AI professionals lack access to high-quality education and training in AI technologies. While online courses have gained traction, they often require reliable internet connections, which can be scarce in rural areas.
• Internet Accessibility – The affordability of data and devices remains a major hurdle. High data costs not only limit innovation but also exclude potential users from benefiting from AI-driven solutions.
• Regulatory Hurdles – Innovation often outpaces regulation. Inconsistent policies across countries create uncertainty for startups, making it difficult to secure funding or scale operations.

Overcoming these barriers requires more than individual effort, it demands collective action. Public-private partnerships are emerging as a vital strategy for addressing these challenges and creating a supportive ecosystem for AI entrepreneurs.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between governments and private entities is vital to bridge the gaps in skills, infrastructure, and funding. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have already demonstrated their value in fostering AI innovation.

A recent example is Google announcing a substantial $5.8 million investment in AI and cybersecurity skills development across Africa. South Africa, alongside Nigeria and Kenya, is a key beneficiary of this initiative. This commitment builds upon Google’s already significant contributions to South Africa’s digital economy, which generated an estimated R118 billion in economic activity during 2023 alone.

Google’s efforts, including its AI Research Centre in Ghana, showcase the transformative power of partnerships. By investing in local talent, fostering a collaborative environment, and addressing skill gaps, these initiatives provide a blueprint for how the private sector can drive sustainable development.

But even as global tech giants play their part, African governments and local businesses must also step up. With the right policies and investments, they can complement these efforts, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the continent’s AI ecosystem.

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey. The opportunities are immense, with AI poised to revolutionise industries and improve lives. However, realising this potential requires a concerted effort to overcome challenges in education, accessibility, and policy.

The latest Google investment is a testament to what is possible when global leaders commit to Africa’s growth. Initiatives like these lay the foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem by empowering aspiring AI entrepreneurs with skills and resources.

Conclusion

The future of AI in Africa lies in the hands of its innovators, but they cannot do it alone. Continued investment in mobile connectivity, talent development, and collaborative partnerships is essential. Together, we can ensure that Africa’s next generation of AI entrepreneurs has the tools they need to dream, innovate, and lead the world in technological advancements. The road ahead may be challenging, but the possibilities are endless. With the right support, Africa can redefine its narrative not as a continent of challenges but as one of innovation, resilience, and boundless potential.