African AI nations join global pact, launch $400m fund
Africa AI News weekly digest...
Good morning, and welcome to your Friday morning edition of AfricaAINews.com.
It’s Valentine’s Day (for those that celebrate it). And this means a tonne of Web services that let you write your beloved a perfect romantic song. If you can’t write music, it’ll do it for you. And if you’re also not much of a lyricist, it’s got your back, because there’s an AI for that too.
Getting back to business … this week we follow a major EU-led cross-national policy initiatives, with at its heart a core of affirmation of progressive values and ubuntu, in stark contrast to the dramatic imposition of mercenary, laissez-faire open season on themselves by US globocorps. And so it goes.
Meanwhile, if you’re following developments in Zambia’s National AI Strategy, a final version of the 2024-2026 strategy is now available. You’ll find the download here.
Looking forward… There is a dearth of interesting or even any good #applications stories of AI in Africa right now. Where someone is using AI to do something cool, impossible or labour saving. Either because no-one is doing cool AI stuff, or because they’re not telling anyone about it. So tell us, and we’ll tell World+Dog.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
AI Action Summit
African AI nations sign for Responsible AI in Paris
#Africa #global #policy — The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris concluded early this week with 60 states signing a non-binding Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet, including six African states. Djibouti, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and Senegal signed on, as well as the African Union Commission, joining most major European and Asian countries; and UAE, Saudi. South Africa was listed, but clarified that it was observer only. The United States and United Kingdom have not signed. (alt.advisory)
Nigeria and Google explore AI partnership
#Nigeria #partnership – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to discuss AI and digital innovation collaborations. The partnership aims to empower businesses and position Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy. The Federal Ministry of Communications will oversee strategy, while NITDA will manage execution. (ITWeb Africa)
Governance
Zambia gov to launch “Anti-Disinformation” platform
#Zambia #applications — The Zambian government announced plans to develop an AI system to combat misinformation and disinformation on social media. Saying the quiet bit out loud, it is something “to comb social media and look for dissenting views against government,” said Percy Chinyama, SMART Zambia National Coordinator. (Smart Zambia Facebook)
Kenya tightens AI regulations amid digital dissent
#Kenya #AIRegulation — The Kenyan government is increasing oversight on AI-generated content, citing concerns over misinformation and online dissent. Viral political satire and AI-driven protests have fueled debates on free speech and state control. (DW)
Biometric Fraud
AI-driven biometric fraud surges across Africa
#Africa #cybercrime — A new report highlights a rise in AI-driven biometric fraud in Africa, with criminals using AI to create fake identities for financial crimes. Fraudsters exploit stolen data for identity theft, phishing, and money laundering, targeting vulnerable populations. The growing accessibility of AI tools is fuelling this alarming trend. (VOA News)
Funding
Morocco joins Nigeria, Kenya in French-led AI development program
#Kenya #Nigeria #Morocco #funding — With France driving, the AI Action Summit also sees the Current AI development initiative kicking off with a $400 million budget, with a view to raise and invest $2.5 billion over the next five years. It looks to develop AI tech, but also develop systems to assess the social and environmental impact of AI. Morocco joins as a founding country, along with Nigeria and Kenya, joining Germany, Finland, Chile, Slovenia and Switzerland. (Atalayar)
Conferences and Hackathons
Media and NGOs combating disinformation conference, Chicago
#Global #Africa #conferences — A call for papers is out for the 4th ACM International Workshop on Multimedia AI against Disinformation. Due April 10 for the workshop in Chicago, USA, June 30 to July 3, 2025, it looks at ways for media and NGOs to combat disinformation by devising new robust and trustworthy AI tools for journalists and fact-checkers. (MAD2025)
Orange Egypt hosts debut AI hackathon
#Egypt #hackathon — Held over this past weekend, the Orange Egypt Artificial Intelligence Hackathon 2025 was at Orange’s Cairo HQ. The hackathon welcomed students majoring in computer science and engineering from Cairo University, Ain Shams University, ESLSCA Egypt University, the American University in Cairo, and the German University in Cairo. Winning teams won cash prizes. (The Fast Mode)
Education
Moroccan AI professor honoured by NYU
#Morocco #awards — Professor Anasse Bari, a Moroccan artificial intelligence expert, has received the 2025 Martin Luther King Faculty Award from NYU for his contributions to education and research. Bari leads the Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Lab at the university. (Hespress)
AI enhances language learning in Senegal
#Senegal #edyech – Libraries Without Borders (LWB) is integrating AI into its language-learning app, Karibu, to improve teachers' French proficiency. Supported by Agence Française de Développement, the initiative leverages a LLaMA-based model to develop culturally relevant educational tools. The project aims to boost academic performance and career opportunities. (AFD)
Applications
Ethio Telecom launches AI-powered EV charging station
#Ethiopia #applications #EVs – Ethio Telecom has unveiled an AI-driven EV charging station in Addis Ababa, capable of charging 32 vehicles simultaneously. The AI optimises power delivery based on battery needs, reducing waste and enhancing grid stability. (TechPoint Africa)
[ This newsletter was human edited and AI engendered ]