DRC launches national policy, Kenya opens its first AI-tastic DC
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has thrown its hat into the “regional AI leader” ring with its announcement of a national policy and AI strategy, with a $1-billion investment commit (of which half would come from treasury). The question is whether the soaring ambitions will be met by hard, cold economic realities.
This is not a jibe at the DRC … many African governments have kicked of grand schemes to grow their economies on the ephemeral back of AI. Some programmes have legs, see the assessment done here — some are hobbled by lack of real public investment, such as the red flag being put up by researchers in Nigeria.
This week we’re carrying a lot of events happening over the next weeks and months. It’s nearing the end of the year, and it’s time to kick back, relax and do some seminar tourism. Why do we have upcoming and past events? Because you may have missed something you’d have been interested in, and can go back and get hold of the conference proceedings.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Datacentres
Kenya launches region’s first GPU-powered AI infrastructure
#Kenya #datacentre — Kenya has unveiled East and Central Africa’s first GPU-powered AI infrastructure, developed by Atlancis Technologies with Everse Technology and iXAfrica Data Centres. Hosted at iXAfrica’s NBOX1 campus, the Servernah AI Factory uses NVIDIA technology and OCP standards to support high-density, energy-efficient compute for local AI training and deployment. (Citizen Digital)
Cassava unveils AI model exchange for Africa’s MNOs
#Kenya #Telecoms — Cassava Technologies has launched CAIMEx, a “multi-model AI exchange” giving mobile operators access to tools from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic via a single platform. Hosted in regional AI centres, it follows Cassava becoming Africa’s first NVIDIA Cloud Partner. (Kenyan Wall Street).
Cassava and Entanglement forge quantum-AI partnership
#SouthAfrica #Technology – Cassava Technologies and Entanglement have signed an MoU to deploy advanced AI, cyber security and quantum-inspired solutions across Africa and the Middle East. The firms will combine fibre, GPU compute and data centres with quantum-logic AI platforms, alongside new training programmes and innovation hubs. (Africa Newsroom)
Applications
Cabship adopts AI to boost Angola’s logistics performance
#Angola #applications #logistics — Angolan sea-freight giant Cabship is integrating artificial intelligence into its logistics operations to improve efficiency and decision-making. General Manager Luis Da Silva told Energy Capital & Power that AI-enhanced software now provides real-time visibility through interactive dashboards, enabling faster, data-driven choices. (Angola Oil & Gas)
Mozambique deploys AI to strengthen climate warnings
#Mozambique #applications #climate — Mozambique is integrating AI into national early warning systems to bolster forecasting accuracy amid rising climate risks. Supported by the UN Systematic Observations Financing Facility, the initiative will enhance real-time data collection and improve alerts following a season that saw three damaging cyclones (Southern African Times).
Education
Morocco launches digital and AI training for 200,000 children
#Morocco #education — Morocco has begun a national programme to train 200,000 children in digital and AI skills as part of its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. Launched on 20 October, the initiative is backed by multiple ministries and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence of Morocco, with a pilot running in twelve cities and guided by 65 supervisors. (iAfrica.com)
Kenya unveils AI and digital governance MOOC for civil servants
#Kenya #education — Kenya has launched a new AI and digital governance online course for public servants, developed with UNESCO, the University of Oxford and the Kenya School of Government. Part of the 36-month DigiKen programme, the six-week course covers AI foundations, ethics and digital leadership, with plans to train over 20,000 civil servants by 2027. (Public Sector Magazine)
Nigeria urged to adopt global AI-in-education charter
#Nigeria #education — A 2025 HP Futures Report, developed with the Global Learning Council and T4 Education, urges Nigeria to support a mandatory global AI-in-education charter. Surveying 2,860 students across 21 countries, it found 60% use AI daily and 71% back limits on classroom AI use (The Guardian Nigeria).
LLMs
Benin launches “LoveMyLanguage” AI initiative
#Benin #LLMs #language — Benin has launched the “JaimeMaLangue” project, led by skills network ASIN and the IIDiA Institute, to develop AI models that understand local languages, starting with Fongbe. Citizens are contributing anonymous voice data to build a national linguistic database supporting inclusive digital services (APA News)
Policy
DRC unveils digital plan and AI strategy for 2030
#DRC #policy — The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched its National Digital Plan 2026–2030 and first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, backed by a US$1 billion commitment, including US$500 million in external financing. The initiatives announced by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Digital Economy, prioritise infrastructure, digital public services, human capital and cybersecurity, and include creating a Congolese Academy of Artificial Intelligence. (iAfrica.com)
New assessment ranks Africa’s AI leaders and laggards
#Africa #policy — A landmark analysis by Gideon Onunwa and Mo Shehu reviews how far African governments have moved from drafting AI strategies to implementing them. The study finds strategies widespread but budgets and laws scarce. Egypt and Ethiopia top the ranking, with Kenya, Mauritius and South Africa close behind, and Senegal, Nigeria and Zambia showing emerging implementation strength. Note: report policy-oriented, and makes no mention of metrics like total spend by end customers, number of AI developers, startups, etc. (Governafrica)
Danger! Nigeria’s AI strategy hinges on external funding
#Nigeria #policy #funding — A new “State of AI Policy in Africa 2025” report warns that Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy lacks dedicated domestic financing, leaving progress dependent on foreign partners. Despite strong implementation, the country has no explicit AI budget lines, raising concerns over long-term sustainability. (DailyTimesNG)
Events
Coming: Southern African AI conference focusing on edge computing
#SouthAfrica #events — SACAIR 2025, hosted by the University of the Western Cape from 1–5 December, will convene leading and emerging researchers. SACAIR is affiliated with the Centre for AI Research (CAIR). The conference will explore AI deployment and support the growth of an Africa-wide network of talented students. (UCT AI)
Coming: Tunisia to host AI Community Conference in Hammamet
#Tunisia #events — Tunisia will host the three-day AI Community Conference from 18–20 December 2025 in Hammamet, offering keynotes, workshops and panel discussions on AI ethics and industry applications. The event features showcases from AI startups and extensive networking opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts. (Community Days)
Coming: Malawi ICT sector gears up for AI-focused AGM in Mangochi
#Malawi #events — Malawi’s ICT Association will host its Annual General Meeting from 19–25 November in Mangochi under the theme ‘AI for Sustainable Development’. The event aims to showcase AI innovations and inspire startups. First Capital Bank has contributed $3,000 (K5-m) to support the programme and strengthen engagement across the country’s tech ecosystem. (Malawi24)
Coming: ITWeb to host AI Summit 2026 in Johannesburg
#SouthAfrica #events — ITWeb has announced its AI Summit 2026, themed “Building South Africa’s AI ecosystem, together,” set for 22 April at The Forum in Johannesburg. The event will offer insights, case studies and practical guidance for businesses seeking to develop sustainable AI capabilities tailored to local economic and industry contexts. (ITWeb)
Past: Zambia debates AI governance amid resource concerns
#Zambia #events — A national dialogue hosted by the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity brought farmers, academics and officials together to scrutinise AI’s economic and ecological impacts. Speakers warned that Zambia risks becoming a raw material and data supplier unless digital rights, biosafety and community participation frameworks are strengthened. Calls centred on protecting copper, water and biodiversity within a just digital future. (iAfrica)
Past: Makerere showcases Africa-led health AI innovations
#Uganda #events #healthcare — Makerere University has hosted the second Annual AI in Health Africa Conference, unveiling a suite of homegrown tools designed for sustainable and inclusive healthcare. Innovations from the AI Health Lab included Briskbot Assistant, BriskMed and Dawa Assist, alongside ICUConnect and malaria prediction systems. The event reinforced Makerere’s growing role as a continental centre for AI-driven health solutions. (Africa-Press)
Past: Egypt hosts AI-driven FinTech hackathon for student innovators
#Egypt #hackathons — Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Central Bank of Egypt organised the AI in FinTech Hackathon to train students in the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative. Working with SAIB Bank and FinTech Egypt, participants developed AI-enabled banking solutions, with winning teams earning cash awards and opportunities to advance their projects and careers. (TechAfrica News)
[ This newsletter was human served and AI returned ]