Kenyan activists want AI pause; Zipline drone delivery goes national in Rwanda
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
Our lead story this week is a doozie — Kenyan civil society pushing back against the use of AI in the public sector (but private sector also in their sights) in high court.
This marks the first concerted push-back against AI technology being used in the public sector, with the plaintiffs calling for the Kenyan government to be restrained.
The case was filed against the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT, seeking orders restraining the respondents from “deploying, authorising, or operationalising AI systems pending the hearing and determination of the petition”.
The activists hold that Kenyans are (already) experiencing and are imminently threatened with “violation of the rights to privacy, equality, discrimination, dignity, fair administration, and unregulated AI deployment.”
A full hearing will go ahead in late February - and we’ll see whether the dystopian genie is well and truly out of the bottle or if civil society will be able to put some brakes on what is becoming a Wild West of poorly implemented, misconceived or downright foolish deployment of little understood technology.
Or should we be full speed ahead and damn the icebergs? Let us know … reply to this email and we’ll share your views.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Policy
Activists urge courts to block high-risk AI rollout in Kenya
#Kenya #policy #applications — Rights activists in Kenya have filed a case in the High Court in the town of Kerugoya to halt the deployment of high-risk AI systems, citing potential threats to privacy, fairness and accountability. They are urging regulators to introduce stricter safeguards and transparent oversight, highlighting growing public concern over unregulated AI adoption. (Citizen Digital)
Rwanda, Kenya press for inclusive applied AI at Global Digital Cooperation Forum
#Africa #policy #education — Rwanda and Kenya have called for equitable access to applied AI during the UN Global Digital Cooperation Forum. Officials emphasised the need to build local AI talent, ensure ethical standards, and foster public-private partnerships. (iAfrica)
South African public servants optimistic about AI
#SouthAfrica #publicsector — A hilariously thin story on dipstick research (Public Sector AI Adoption Index 2026) from the Centre for Data Innovation (sponsored by Google) says 60% of South African public servants recon AI could be pretty good. They cite benefits for efficiency, decision-making and public service delivery. (iAfrica)
Events
Egypt to host region’s first major AI summit
#Egypt #events #education — Egypt will host the Middle East and Africa’s inaugural AI Everything summit in February 2026, signalling its growing role in digital transformation and tech leadership. The event is expected to convene international policymakers, tech firms, startups and investors, strengthening Egypt’s strategic AI ambitions and partnerships. (ITP.net)
Eduction
Angola introduces AI in primary schools
#Angola #education — Angola’s Ministry of Education has announced plans to include AI in primary school programmes, enhancing early technological literacy and preparing students for the digital economy. The programme aims to cultivate critical thinking and foundational AI knowledge. (Ver Angola)
Tanzania sends AI and data science scholars to South
#Tanzania #education — Tanzania is sending a cohort of AI and data science students to the University of Johannesburg in South Africa for advanced training. The Samia Scholarship programme has pulled together $2-million, funding 16 top-performing students to pursue undergraduate degrees in Data Science, AI, and related disciplines. (Presswire)
Tanzania launches AI Xcelerate training programme
#Tanzania #education — The International Organisation of Employers (IOE), in partnership with the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), have launched the AI Xcelerate programme to train Tanzanian professionals in applied AI. The initiative targets skill development in emerging technologies and promotes local capacity for AI-driven solutions. (IPP Media)
Datacentres
Yellow Tulip sets up CleanWatts Moz for renewables-powered DC
#Mozambique #datacentres — Yellow Tulip (Euro clean energy platform) has established CleanWatts Mozambique (via Portugal) to build a renewable-powered data centre in Mozambique. The project aims to provide sustainable computing infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and support digital services, AI research and cloud computing in Southern Africa. (EIN)
Applications
Zipline goes nationwide in Rwanda with urban drone network
#Rwanda #applications #innovation — Zipline and the Rwandan government are going all in to roll out Africa’s first nationwide autonomous delivery network, including urban drone services (and some rural). The initiative aims to transport medical supplies, vaccines and essential goods efficiently, demonstrating the potential of autonomous logistics powered by AI. (Tech in Africa)
Tanzania integrates AI into judiciary system
#Tanzania #applications #policy — Tanzania’s judiciary is adopting AI to record, transcribe and translate court proceedings in real time, aiming to modernise operations and reduce delays. Deputy President Emmanuel Nchimbi highlighted plans to strengthen infrastructure and staff welfare, while Chief Justice George Masaju confirmed a commitment to efficiency and judicial independence. (Xinhua)
[ This newsletter was human locked and AI loaded ]