Masakhane advances African languages; Ethiopia plans AI university
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
Welcome back to a whole new year. From all of us at Africa AI News and Middle East AI News, we wish you, our loyal readers, a successful and inspired 2026.
This year kicks off with a lot of activity, largely in the education and skills development space, which is increasingly home-grown. While it is heartening to see governments, universities and other organisations investing in education and hard skills developments, it’s worth a shout out to the largely US-based multinationals that put millions of Dollars into programmes over ’24 and ’25 to get things moving — in particular, remember that in our lead story, the Masakhane Language Hub in Kenya was funded with $3 million by Google back in July.
We also feature in this week’s digest a bunch of cool AI applications, from food safety in Malawi to controlling traffic chaos in Mauritania.
And in big news for Africa AI News and Middle East AI News, we have partnered with AI Everything Middle East and Africa, which takes place on February 11th and 12th in Cairo. More on this soon!
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Education
Ethiopia to establish AI university
#Ethiopia #Africa #education — Ethiopia plans to establish a dedicated AI university to train future technology leaders from across the continent. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the institution will focus on advanced digital skills and research, with plans to graduate up to 1,000 skilled AI professionals annually. There appear to be links to the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and 100 scholarships will be reserved for African students. No funding or timelines have been announced. (Fana Media Corporation)
Nigeria launches national AI centre of excellence
#Nigeria #education — The University of Jos is now home to Nigeria’s first national AI centre of excellence. The facility aims to strengthen research capacity, develop specialised skills and support industry collaboration in emerging technologies. (BusinessDay)
Namibia’s NUST introduces AI courses
#Namibia #education — The Namibia University of Science and Technology has launched new courses focused on artificial intelligence to equip students with in-demand digital skills. The programmes aim to support national development priorities and respond to growing industry demand for data and automation expertise across sectors including finance, mining and logistics. (New Era Live)
Innovation Hubs and CoEs
Kenya AI hub to fund African language datasets
#Kenya #CoE — Masakhane African Languages Hub in Kenya is launching an AI hub that will finance the creation of high-quality local-language datasets. Organisers say improved data availability is critical for building effective, context-specific AI solutions that reflect local realities. (Africa AI News)
Gambia, Senegal partner on maths and AI hub
#Gambia #Senegal #education — A new cross-border partnership between the Gambia and Senegal seeks to establish a centre for advanced mathematics and AI. Officials say the hub will support academic excellence and regional innovation capacity. (The Point)
Applications
US–Morocco drills test AI-enabled warfare
#Morocco #military — Joint military exercises between the US and Morocco have tested advanced warfare systems incorporating AI and robotics. The drills evaluated autonomous platforms and data-driven decision tools in combat scenarios, signalling a shift towards more technologically integrated defence cooperation. (The Arab Weekly)
UNIMA-led AI project targets food processing
#Malawi #applications #food — The University of Malawi has partnered with NASCOMEX and the National Commission for Science and Technology to launch a project applying AI tools to improve food processing. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and support local agro-processing industries, strengthening food security and value addition. (University of Malawi)
Mauritania deploys AI for road safety
#Mauritania #applications #roadsafety — A new AI-powered road safety system is being deployed across Mauritania to help authorities monitor traffic and prevent accidents. Officials say the technology will strengthen enforcement and improve data-driven decision-making in transport planning. (Ecofin Agency)
Mali uses AI to teach kids in Bambara
#Mali #applications #education — An education initiative in Mali is using AI to deliver lessons in Bambara, expanding access to learning through local language instruction. Developers say the approach improves engagement and learning outcomes for primary school pupils. (Afro Legends)
Policy
African Labour agrees roadmap for AI integration
#Africa #policy #labour — The African Network of Vocational Training Institutions and Funds (RAFPRO), supported by the UN’s International Labour Organisation, held its annual meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, agreeing a shared framework for integrating AI. Focusing on workforce skills and inclusive growth, the Abidjan Declaration on Artificial Intelligence will drive coordinated action to maximise benefits while mitigating labour market disruption. (International Labour Organization)
One in three South Africans unaware of AI, study finds
#SouthAfrica #policy — New research shows that around 33% of South Africans are unfamiliar with artificial intelligence, raising concerns about digital exclusion. The survey indicates disparities by age, income and geography, with rural communities most affected. Analysts argue that without targeted education initiatives, AI deployment risks reinforcing existing social and economic divides in South Africa. (The Media Online)
Events
Ai Everything kicks off Feb 11/12 in Cairo
#Egypt #events — Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 will be hosted at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) on 11th and 12th February, hosted by Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with ITIDA and GITEX Global. It will convene leading AI enterprises, startups, investors, and policymakers from 60 countries. MiddleEastAINews.com, AAIN.com’s sister publication, has been appointed media partner, and will be covering the event closely. (AI Everything MEA)
Tunisia confirmed to host AOAI 2026
#Tunisia #events — Tunisia has been selected to host the African Olympiad for AI 2026. The event is expected to attract international participants and stimulate local innovation and skills development. Dates, locations and agenda is still to be announced. (International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence)
[ This newsletter was human inspired and AI actioned ]