At the 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana, experts emphasised that while Africa stands to benefit significantly from the fourth industrial revolution, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), the continent must first address its foundational infrastructure gaps. As AI emerges as a transformative force globally, Africa’s potential to capitalise on this technology hinges on its ability to bridge the current 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 HDR, which will explore the intersection of digitalisation and human development, will delve into how digital technologies, including AI, can either amplify or mitigate existing inequalities, reshape economic structures, and influence political landscapes. However, Dr Conceicao also acknowledged the challenges posed by AI, including its potential to exacerbate social exclusion due to biased training data and the displacement of workers. Nonetheless, he maintained that the net benefits of AI could be substantial, citing its ability to lower the barriers to entry for businesses and foster rapid growth in firms across various sectors.
The conference also 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. “There is a big buzz about AI, but do we have the technological infrastructure to support it? No, not really,” Jabangwe remarked, underscoring the critical need for reliable power supply to support the digital technologies that could drive Africa’s development.
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.
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.
While AI offers immense potential for the continent, it is clear that Africa’s success in the digital era will depend on its ability to address the infrastructural challenges that currently hinder its progress. Without reliable power, robust data connectivity, and a well-trained workforce, the promises of AI may remain out of reach for many across the continent.
