Ghana approves $250M AI hub; SA approves new AI strategy draft
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
Lots of news to share this week, but running a little later than usual today, so we’ll keep the preamble to a minimum. Some significant movement forwards for AI policy across a number of African countries this week. Ghana’s approved its National AI Strategy (together with a $250 AI hub project), South Africa’s new national AI policy draft is open for comments, Egypt publishes extensive national AI guidelines, and Mozambique appoints a head for its newly formed Transformation and Innovation Agency.
Lots more news below!
On with this week’s issue and wishing all those celebrating a happy Easter!
/Roger
Policy
Ghana approves $250m AI hub & AI Strategy
#Ghana #AIstrategy - Ghana’s Cabinet has approved a $250 million AI computing centre and a national AI strategy launching on April 24, aiming to boost adoption across sectors including healthcare and finance. Backed by partners such as UNESCO and GIZ, the plan positions Ghana as a leading West African AI hub. (Africa AI News)
South Africa opens AI policy for public input
#SouthAfrica #AIstrategy - South Africa’s Cabinet has approved a new draft of its national AI policy for public comment, centred on ethical deployment, skills and inclusive growth. Built on six pillars, it aims to balance innovation with regulation while boosting job creation and strengthening government capacity to adopt AI responsibly. (Gov.za)
Egypt publishes national AI governance framework
#Egypt #governance - Egypt’s National Council for Artificial Intelligence has released a comprehensive AI governance framework and generative AI guidelines, introducing a four-tier risk model and lifecycle oversight. The policy positions Egypt as a regional anchor for responsible AI while laying the groundwork for future national AI legislation. (Middle East AI News)
Mozambique launches agency to drive digital shift
#Mozambique #government - Mozambique has created a Digital Transformation and Innovation Agency and appointed Adilson Gomes to lead it, alongside new AI and digital governance bodies. The government targets 80% mobile penetration and 95% coverage, despite low rankings, as it accelerates infrastructure, cybersecurity and public service digitisation efforts. (We Are Tech Africa)
Kenya targets lead in Africa AI investment push
#Kenya #investment - Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s AI investment hub, leveraging renewable energy and attracting up to $300 million in planned AI infrastructure projects. Government and partners including KenInvest and AmCham are advancing regulatory sandboxes, local talent development and data infrastructure to drive long-term ecosystem growth. (KBC Digital)
UN urges Africa to fund AI via debt and revenue
#Africa #debt - The UN Economic Commission for Africa warns countries risk missing AI-driven growth, with under 1% of global data centres on the continent. It urges governments to boost tax revenues, borrow, and tap pension and sovereign funds to finance digital infrastructure, energy, and skills development. (Reuters)
Education
Uganda-China deal to train 50,000 youths in tech
#Uganda #technology - Uganda’s Ministry of ICT, UNHIF and the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation have signed a three-year MOU to equip 50,000 youths with AI and digital skills. The partnership includes innovation hubs, China exchange programmes, and a 40-acre industrial park to boost innovation and employment. (ICT.go.ug)
Nigeria, UNDP launch AI hubs in universities
#Nigeria #innnovation - Nigeria’s government and UNDP are transforming universities into AI innovation and digital talent hubs through the UniPod initiative, launching first at the University of Lagos. The programme aims to reach 500,000 learners, support up to 2,000 startups, and position Nigeria as a leading digital economy. (This Day Live)
Sudan PM orders AI education and health digitisation
#Sudan #digitaleducation - Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris has issued directives to launch an AI bachelor’s programme, expand digital education, and digitise hospital systems within two weeks. The plan includes electronic medical records, national project monitoring, and pilot deployments at Soba Teaching and Al-Gadarif hospitals. (Sudan Embassy)
Zambia prepares AI rollout in schools
#Zambia #schools - Zambia’s Ministry of Education is planning to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms to support its competence-based curriculum. Permanent Secretary Kelvin Mambwe said the initiative will improve efficiency, reduce teachers’ workload and enhance learning outcomes, alongside nationwide school digitalisation and expanded internet access. (APA News)
R&D
Tunisia, Algeria launch joint AI research platform
#Tunisia #R&D - Tunisia and Algeria have launched a joint digital platform linking universities and research labs to accelerate AI collaboration. The initiative enables data sharing and joint projects across sectors including healthcare and industry, aiming to boost regional innovation and create a more integrated Maghreb research ecosystem. (Ecofin Agency)
Mozambique AI scientist wins UNESCO honour
#Mozambique #healthcare - Mozambican researcher Alexandre de Fátima Cobree has been named among UNESCO’s top 10 young scientists for his work applying AI in healthcare. His recognition highlights Mozambique’s growing role in digital innovation, with AI-driven diagnostics seen as key to improving access and efficiency in health systems. (360 Mozambique)
East Africa launches regional AI network push
#EastAfrica #Rwanda #inovation - East African Community partners have launched the EAC AI Alliance and a Regional AI Network to coordinate education, research and innovation. The initiative, unveiled in Kigali, brings together over 450 stakeholders and aims to build a skilled workforce, strengthen collaboration, and scale AI development across member states. (IUCEA)
Digital government
Nigeria launches AI app for public services access
#Nigeria #digitalservices - Nigeria has launched CLHEEAN, an AI-powered app developed by the National Orientation Agency to improve citizen engagement. The platform enables users to access government information, submit feedback, and interact via messaging and voice, with multilingual support aimed at enhancing accessibility and transparency. (Ecofin Agency)
UAE Presight expands AI deals across Africa
#UAE #digitalgovernment - Abu Dhabi-based Presight, backed by G42, has signed AI agreements with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon to deploy digital government systems. The deals span public services, cybersecurity and data analytics, extending Presight’s footprint to 11 African markets amid rising global investment in AI infrastructure. (Africa AI News)
Implementation
IBM and Elsewedy scale enterprise AI in Egypt
#Egypt #digitaltransformation - IBM and Elsewedy Electric are deploying agentic AI across operations using watsonx, covering supply chain, HR and finance. With over 30 use cases identified, the partnership reflects a shift from experimentation to structured, enterprise-wide AI adoption in Egypt. (Zawya)
M&A
Ascent Africa expands with Clarence AI deal
#SouthAfrica #M&A - Ascent Africa has acquired a stake in Clarence AI, an Africa-built narrative intelligence platform, strengthening its shift towards data-driven marketing. Clarence AI, already used by governments and institutions, has analysed millions of conversations and supported over 100 campaigns across the continent. (BizCommunity)
[ This newsletter was human bathed and AI rinsed ]