Morocco AI engineering school; Rwanda gets education Cloud
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
We lead with a number of education initiatives across the continent, ranging from the physical (AI-led engineering schools in Morocco) to the metaphysical (AI Cloud resources for primary education in Rwanda). What’s most revealing is that these programmes are being funded by Asian and European sources, rather than the Google/Microsoft nexus that has led until now. Some of the projects are entirely local, showing African countries putting their money where there mouth is.
This suggests the movement of influence in the AI sector away from the US and towards an increasingly multipolar world, with companies like Huawei and Samsung (and Middle Eastern sovereign funds) moving quickly to fill the vacuum left by US disengagement.
Still a lot going on in AI in Africa as the year lurches to a close. Don’t forget - we will keep publishing for two more issues, then take a break until 9th January.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Education
Morocco to build advanced technology school in Dakhla
#Morocco #education — Morocco has signed an agreement to establish the National School of Advanced Technologies in Dakhla, expanding regional higher education capacity. The institution will focus on AI, robotics and digital systems, supporting economic development in the southern regions. (Morocco World News)
Morocco to formalise scientific research
#Morocco #education — Still in Morocco: government has plans to overhaul higher education via Law 59.24, creating dedicated research institutions and new professional categories. The bill expands AI, data science and cybersecurity training, with 65 AI tracks now offered and 600 professors retrained nationwide. (Hespress)
Rwanda launches Africa’s first AI education cloud
#Rwanda #education — Rwanda is preparing to launch Africa’s first AI-optimised education cloud to personalise learning in Kinyarwanda and English. The initiative is designed to reduce disparities in access to quality education and strengthen teacher support tools. (FurtherAfrica)
Samsung Innovation Campus in Algeria builds AI skills
#Algeria #education — Samsung has launched the 2025–26 edition of its Samsung Innovation Campus in Algeria, offering intensive training in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data processing for aspiring tech professionals. The programme runs from November 2025 to January 2026 and includes hands-on projects to build real-world expertise. (Samsung)
Libya to empower youth with advanced AI training
#Libya #education #skills — Libya has launched its first AI Youth Club in Bani Walid to equip young people with practical knowledge in programming, data analysis, digital ethics and robotics. The initiative founded by the Ministry of Youth features structured training, specialised workshops and innovation-driven activities to build talent for a technology-focused economy. (Libya Review)
Innovation Hubs and CoEs
Angola nears completion of national data centre
#Angola #datacentres — Angola’s national data centre is now about 75 % complete and set to open in the first half of 2026. The $90 million project will house 336 server racks and form the backbone of a unified government cloud, migrating all public services onto modern digital platforms. (Ecofin Agency)
DRC eyes AI for farms and mines with Huawei academy plan
#DRC #agritech #mining — The Democratic Republic of Congo is planning to harness AI in its agriculture and mining sectors, working with Huawei to establish an AI academy to build local technical expertise. The initiative seeks to apply AI to boost productivity and sustainable practices across key national industries. (Ecofin Agency)
Funding
Huawei and Yassir forge strategic digital transformation pact
#Algeria #partnership — Chinese technology giant Huawei and Algerian digital platform Yassir have signed a strategic agreement. The alliance will focus on cloud computing, AI, smart mobility and digital services. No financial terms were disclosed. (Algeria Invest)
Nigeria secures $2.1m from Google for AI development
#Nigeria #technology #investment — Google has committed $2.1 million to support Nigeria’s AI ambitions, backing initiatives to accelerate AI research, skills development and innovative ecosystem growth. The funding will support training programmes, developer tools and community projects. (Broadcast Media Africa)
Applications
Botswana Diamonds taps AI to accelerate exploration
#Botswana #applications #exploration — Botswana Diamonds reports AI has been a “game-changer” in evaluating 95 000 km² of geological records, quickly yielding new prospecting licence awards and uncovering encouraging kimberlite and critical mineral targets. The technology also sharpens focus on priority zones and reduces costs. (Mining Review Africa)
Aterian and Lithosquare to advance AI mining exploration
#Africa #mining #innovation — Mining firm Aterian has signed a €1.4 million agreement with French AI specialist Lithosquare to apply artificial intelligence in mining exploration across Morocco and Botswana. The program will use algorithmic modelling to generate and validate copper targets, complemented with geophysical mapping and early drilling. (Ecofin Agency)
How AI is empowering community volunteers in Malawi
#Malawi #health #communitytech — In Malawi’s Dowa district, AI tools built by tech firm Dimagi into the CommCare app are helping community health volunteers deliver health interventions more effectively. The interactive chatbot, available in English and Chichewa, provides real-time guidance on vaccinations, early childhood care and household safety. (PACHI Malawi)
MTN Zambia, Huawei launch AI-enhanced base station power backup
#Zambia #connectivity #techpolicy — Tested in regions with unstable electricity, the AI solution has improved network performance significantly, ensuring communities and enterprises maintain access to communication services. MTN Zambia says the technology represents a new benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure in Africa. (iAfrica.com)
TelOne launches Omni Contact Centre in Zimbabwe
#Zimbabwe #telecom - Zimbabwe has commissioned TelOne’s 102-seat Omni Contact Centre in Harare to modernise service delivery and support the digital economy agenda. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the AI-enabled, cloud-based facility aligns with NDS2 and Vision 2030, and is expected to create over 65 jobs. (The Herald)
Policy
SA’s financial watchdog: rapid AI adoption by banks, insurance slow
#SouthAfrica #fintech #policy — The Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Prudential Authority have published their first comprehensive report on artificial intelligence adoption in SA’s financial sector. Based on 2 100 survey responses, the study shows banks lead with 52 % adoption, followed by payment providers at 50%, with pensions at 14% and both insurance and lending at 8%. The report highlights risks like bias and opaque decisions, and calls for stronger governance, transparency and consumer protection. (Mondaq)
Mauritius sets up national unit to oversee AI development
#Mauritius #transformation - Mauritius has created an Artificial Intelligence Unit under the Ministry of ICT and Innovation to coordinate national initiatives, deliver the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029, and design ethical and regulatory frameworks. The move follows its 69th global ranking in the 2024 AI Readiness Index with a score of 53.94. (Ecofin Agency)
Egypt rolls out AI tool to flag fake news
#Egypt #media #policy — Egypt’s government has deployed an AI platform designed to verify news accuracy and detect misleading or false content related to state, societal and economic topics as misinformation spreads online. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted the tool’s role in countering rumours and disinformation on social media. It is not clear how press freedoms will be affected. (The National News)
Zambia, Finland deepen AI, digital health cooperation
#Zambia #policy #digitalhealth — Zambia and Finland have reaffirmed and expanded their partnership on digital transformation, focusing on AI, governance and digital health systems . The collaboration reviewed progress since 2020 and emphasised support for Zambia’s “Telemedicine and AI Health Diagnostics Pilot” across 20 facilities and reinforced institutional frameworks for tech-enabled public services. (TechAfrica News)
Kenya launches inclusive AI policy development process
#Kenya #policy #innovation — Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, with KICTANet and the UK Digital Access Programme, kicked off an inception workshop to shape its National AI and Emerging Technologies Policy. Stakeholders discussed ethics, data governance and innovation priorities. (TechAfrica News)
Events
(Past) African startups take centre stage in Algiers conference
#Algeria #innovation #startups — The fourth African Startup Conference in Algiers convened thousands of innovators, investors and policymakers from across the continent under the theme “Raising African Champions.” Over three days, founders showcased pitches, engaged in debates and explored collaboration to strengthen Africa’s tech ecosystem and drive cross-border innovation. (African Business)
[ This newsletter was human inspired and AI actioned ]