Gates Foundation in $50M health tech; Ghana to slash $1B customs fraud
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
This week we lead with a major rollout of AI into primary healthcare in African countries, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI putting $50 million into deploying tech for supporting healthcare workers. The stated intent is “responsible deployment of AI”, which will be fascinating to watch in action. With AI’s predilection for bogus information or outright hallucinations delivered with complete confidence, keeping the technology safe for actuals humans will be a challenge — while not missing out on AI’s ability to connect the dots and deliver valuable insights.
At the very least reducing the administration burden of records creation and management will surely help over-stretched clinicians, along with better trends and anomalies analysis.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Applications
Gates Foundation and OpenAI launch $50M AI health programme
#Africa #funding — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched a $50 million programme to support artificial intelligence applications in health systems across Africa, starting in Rwanda, it has a target of rolling out in 1,00 clinics in three years. The Horizon1000 initiative aims to improve disease surveillance, clinical decision-making and health service delivery in low-resource settings. (Semafor)
Econet integrates AI to strengthen telecom strategy in Zimbabwe
#Zimbabwe #telecom — Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is placing AI and machine learning at the core of its operating model to enhance network resilience, operational efficiency and customer experience. The telecom operator says AI will support autonomous network functions, self-optimization and improved service quality. (Ecofin Agency)
Ghana Revenue Authority bets on AI to lift Customs revenue
#Ghana #applications — The Ghana Revenue Authority is deploying artificial intelligence to improve Customs operations, targeting a 45 percent increase in revenue, targeting the $1-billion it loses in customs fraud each year. AI tools will be used to enhance risk profiling, reduce fraud and speed up cargo clearance at ports and borders. (GhanaWeb)
Policy
Egypt tops Africa in government AI readiness index
#Egypt #policy #government — Egypt has ranked first in Africa in Oxford Insights’ Government AI Readiness Index 2025, climbing to 51st globally. The results reflect strong policy capacity and institutional resilience, placing Egypt among the most AI-ready governments across the Middle East and Africa. (Middle East AI News)
Kenya launches AI and emerging technologies committee
#Kenya #policy — Kenya has established a national committee on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to draft a comprehensive policy framework. The body will advise government on regulation, innovation and ethical use as the country seeks to position itself as a regional digital leader. (iAfrica)
Côte d’Ivoire Finance Act 2026 targets digital startups
#CotedIvoire #policy — Côte d’Ivoire’s Finance Act 2026 introduces a new tax regime designed to support digital startups. The measures aim to reduce fiscal pressure on early-stage technology firms and stimulate investment in innovation, positioning the country as an emerging West African digital hub. (African Business)
Angola moves to regulate global technology platforms
#Angola #policy — Angola is advancing regulations aimed at exerting greater oversight over global technology platforms. The proposed framework seeks to address data governance, market power and national sovereignty concerns. The linked analysis examines the curiously broad approach where Angola asserts sovereignty over even foreign owned and operated platforms. (Medium)
Education
NWU becomes first South African university with official AI policy
#SouthAfrica #policy — North-West University has become the first South African university to formally adopt an official artificial intelligence policy, setting a precedent in higher education governance. The policy, approved by NWU Council, aims to provide ethical guidelines and a governance framework for AI use across teaching, research and administration at the institution. (North-West University)
Events
AI Everything MEA Egypt kicks off in two weeks
#Egypt #events — AI Everything Middle East & Africa in Cairo (11-12 Feb 2026) brings together policymakers, major tech firms and investors. MiddleEastAINews.com is a media partner, and will be covering the show extensively. Register now to not miss out — AI tools, applications, robotics, semiconductor hardware, it’s all there with top international speakers. (AI Everything)