DR Congo to spend $8B on tech infra; South Africa puts AI ed on streaming TV
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
This week sees a major announcement out of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is ploughing a mooted $8.7-billion into technology infrastructure investment. That is a lot of money, although there appears to be some creative accounting going on. This investment is expected to add $4.1-billion to its GDP. Or less than half what is being put in. How does that work?
It is also not clear whether this $8.7-B includes the $1.5-B investment into its AI strategy announced last year.
This move does signal that DRC wants to modernise its economy, long stagnant, driven by agriculture and its “shadow mining” sector (mired by conflict, corruption).
AI in Africa health: Good or Bad?
There was plenty of comment, much of it negative, about last week’s lead story; the $50-million Gates Foundation investment into driving AI in healthcare in Africa, starting with clinics in Rwanda. A sentiment that is surfacing is suspicion — why would American tech giants be pumping money into developing countries? A new digital colonialism? Furtively harvesting training data? Creating a profound dependency that Africa will regret?
What’s your view? Reply to this mail and share with the Africa AI community.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Digital Policy
DR Congo targets AI-ready infrastructure with $8 billion plan
#DRCongo #funding #policy — A new $8.7 billion digital infrastructure programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo aims to strengthen connectivity and support advanced digital services. The initiative is expected to underpin the adoption of data-driven technologies across finance, government and industry. DRC announced an AI-centric $1.5-B “National Digital Plan 2026-2030” last October. (Extensia)
Applications
Stellenbosch uses AI to fight gender-based violence
#SouthAfrica #policy #applications — Stellenbosch University researchers have developed a policy playbook using artificial intelligence to strengthen responses to gender-based violence. The framework applies data analytics and predictive tools to help policymakers identify risk patterns, improve service coordination and accelerate interventions aimed at reducing GBV across South Africa. (Stellenbosch University)
Egypt’s Knot modernises ticketing with AI
#Egypt #applications — Egyptian technology firm Knot is using AI to overhaul online ticketing systems, improving fraud detection, demand forecasting and customer experience. The platform applies data analytics to optimise pricing and reduce ticket scalping, supporting digital transformation across transport and event services in Egypt’s growing digital economy. It secured $1-M funding early this year. (We Are Tech Africa)
Bank of Tanzania partners universities on AI
#Tanzania #education #applications — The Bank of Tanzania has partnered with five local universities to strengthen research and innovation in artificial intelligence and data science. The initiative aims to build national expertise, support evidence-based policymaking and improve financial sector innovation through advanced analytics and academic collaboration. (The Citizen)
Egypt builds AI-led digital platforms to drive investment climate
#Egypt #policy #applications — The Egyptian government will build an AI-powered unified digital investment platform, and later one for trade facilitation. AI-enhanced systems will cut bureaucratic delays, attract investment and reinforce the country’s role as a data hub linking global digital infrastructure. (TV BRICS)
AI can revive 300 abandoned wells in Niger Delta
#Nigeria #applications — Renaissance Africa Energy is exploring how AI can unlock value in more than 300 abandoned oil wells in the Niger Delta by reinterpreting seismic data to identify bypassed reserves. AI could cut decision-making time and reveal new productive zones, potentially extending field life and economic output. (BusinessDay)
Education
South Africa’s national broadcaster launches AI skills drive
#SouthAfrica #education — Microsoft South Africa and the beleaguered SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) have launched a nationwide digital skills programme delivered through the SABC Plus streaming platform. The initiative aims to expand access to AI and Cloud training for millions of South Africans, targeting youth, educators and small businesses as part of a broader workforce readiness strategy. (IT News Africa)
Open University of Kenya explores AI partnership with Pathways
#Kenya #education — The Open University of Kenya is in talks with Pathways Technologies to advance artificial intelligence training, digital skills and industry-aligned research. The planned collaboration aims to co-develop AI and data analytics courses, research projects, internships and scalable digital learning content to better match graduates with market needs. (Open University of Kenya)
Ethiopia launches AI-focused training to support Digital Ethiopia 2030
#Ethiopia #education — As part of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, the Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute is rolling out advanced training programmes in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Officials say this effort will build a skilled workforce capable of driving digital transformation and underpinning Ethiopia’s ambitions in high-tech sectors. (ENA)
US backs AI training programme for youth in Burkina Faso
#BurkinaFaso #education — A new partnership between Burkina Faso and the United States will deliver artificial intelligence and digital skills training to young people from 2026. The programme is designed to strengthen human capital and support entrepreneurship in the country’s growing digital economy. (Ecofin Agency)
Egypt central bank launches AI diploma for bankers
#Egypt #banking — Egypt’s Central Bank has launched the country’s first specialised diploma focused on artificial intelligence for the banking sector. Developed with the Egyptian Banking Institute and NewGiza University, the programme targets data governance, ethics and digital transformation skills. (Daily News Egypt)
LLMs and Platforms
Ghana develops AI tools in local languages
#Ghana #applications #policy — Ghana is developing artificial intelligence tools in local languages with Google and the University of Ghana, including Twi, Ewe and Dagbani to expand digital inclusion. The initiative aims to improve access to digital services. After some uproar, the Education Ministry assures that Ga and Adangbe will be added next. (Ghana News Agency)
Liberian AI startup reaches Harvard semifinals
#Liberia #funding #applications — Liberia-built startup Surna (appears to have no Website) has reached the semifinals of the Harvard Innovation Challenge, highlighting growing capacity for locally developed artificial intelligence solutions. The achievement is seen as a milestone for sovereign technology development and home-grown innovation in Liberia’s emerging tech ecosystem. (FrontPage Africa)
Culture
Egypt bans AI use for Quran interpretation
#Egypt #Islam - Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta has issued a ruling banning the use of artificial intelligence for interpreting the Holy Quran. The authority argues such systems lack true comprehension and methodological rigour, reinforcing reliance on established tafsir and qualified religious scholars. (Middle East AI News)
Policy
Lusophone Africa strengthens data governance cooperation
#Africa #policy — Regulators and policymakers from Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe worked on national data governance frameworks, exchanging practical lessons on rights-based approaches and implementation priorities through a three-day workshop organised by UNESCO, Smart Africa, the World Bank and the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies. (UNESCO)
Namibia launches ICT strategic plan to boost digital access
#Namibia #policy — Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has launched its 2025–2030 strategic plan and national ICT policy, aiming to expand broadband coverage, improve digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity nationwide. (The Namibian)
Events
Egypt to host region’s first AI Everything summit in Feb
#Egypt #events #policy — Egypt will host the inaugural “AI Everything Middle East & Africa” summit from 10–12 February in Cairo, bringing together leaders, tech firms and policymakers from more than 60 countries. Organised with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency and GITEX Global, the event aims to highlight AI applications, policies and investment opportunities. (Daily News Egypt)
Morocco plans regional hackathons, cyber law reforms
#Morocco #cybersecurity - Morocco plans to launch regional hackathons to develop local digital solutions while tightening cybercrime legislation. The government is also expanding training programmes, positioning AI as a pillar of inclusive digital development and economic strategy. (Hespress)
[ This newsletter was human ricked and AI rolled ]