Artificial Intelligence, African Businesses, Government and Policies

AI is a constellation of technologies that enable machines to act with higher levels of intelligence and
emulate human capabilities to sense, comprehend, and act. These human capabilities are augmented
by the ability to learn from experience and adapt over time. In other words, AI enables machines to
sense their environment, think, and in some cases learn, to take action in response to the environment
and the circumstances underpinning it. AI systems are finding ever-wider application across
enterprises as they grow in sophistication.

The rapidly developing set of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has the potential to solve some of
the most pressing challenges that impact Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth and development in
core sectors:
• Agriculture will be done more efficiently and effectively, raising yields.
• Healthcare will be bettertailored, higher quality, andmore accessible, improving outcomes.
• Public services will be more efficient and more responsive to citizens, enhancing impact.
• Financial services will be more secure and reach more citizens who need them, expanding
access.
Forward thinking policy-makers, innovative startups, global technology partners, civil society groups,
and international global stakeholders are already mobilising to promote the growth of a vibrant AI
ecosystem in Africa. However, there remain structural challenges that can hamper the development
of a healthy AI ecosystem in Africa:

• Education systems will need to adapt quickly, and new frameworks need to be created for
workers and citizens to develop the skills they need to thrive.
• Broadband coverage will need to expand rapidly — specifically in rural areas — in order for all
citizens and businesses to reap the benefits.
• Ethical implications regarding the fair, secure, and inclusive use of AI applications also must
be addressed through collaboration and engagement to ensure AI systems earn trust.
• Ensuring a deeper, broader, and more accessible pool of data is available will also be key to
enable researchers, developers, and users to drive AI.

As with other transformative and revolutionary technologies, there are challenges inherent in the
development of AI. Governments can embrace these challenges and benefit from AI by creating clear
roadmaps to guide the adoption of this technology. They should recalibrate their laws and legal
frameworks to support data-driven technologies and innovation-driven growth; strengthen the
supporting infrastructure for development; and set the tone of a collaborative approach that allows
all stakeholders to share their expertise, insights, and build trust. With the right mix of policies, Africa
and its citizens can reap the benefits of the transformations in the years to come.1

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