SA rekindles national policy; Aeonian Project builds AI Factory in Uganda
Weekly News Digest ...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
This week’s top story is South Africa’s move to firm up its national AI policy. There has been extensive criticism (and here) of the stop-and-go nature of how government has approached AI regulation, oversight and support for development, where initial pleasing noises morphed into not a lot of action. This has left the private sector to drive AI technology development as best it could, while global tech giants assiduously lobbied for a hands-off approach.
The latest step by South Africa’s government to re-engage with a range of stakeholders is intended to get the policy into place, but the chief concern is that this is more talks about talks while the AI genie continues to slide out the bottle.
The incredible speed of the rollout of policy and strategy in African countries this time last year is only eclipsed by the lack of appreciable progress since then — across all the major AI markets in Africa: South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Policy
South Africa convenes AI expert forum
#SouthAfrica #policy — Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele hosted stakeholders from multi-national tech companies (Microsoft, Meta), research councils (CSIR, HSRC), local and national government, the private sector and universities, including Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), joined in talks to establish the National AI Network of Experts. The body will help guide the rollout of South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy. (TUT News)
Morocco signs deal for responsible AI platform
#Morocco #policy — Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform has partnered with the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP) to launch a national responsible AI platform. The initiative will build large language models tailored to Moroccan language, culture and law, aiming to deliver safe generative AI tools for citizens, business and government. (Hespress)
Somalia and Saudi sign AI, space deal
#Somalia #Saudi #Policy – Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to cooperate on AI and space technology regulation. Announced at the Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh, the deal aims to harmonise frameworks, strengthen oversight, and boost opportunities for digital collaboration. (Hiiraan Online)
Senegal and ITU deepen digital governance ties
#Senegal #policy — Senegal’s Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARTP) has advanced its cooperation with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) following discussions at the World Regulatory Symposium in Saudi Arabia. ARTP’s new strategic plan will address co-regulation, data governance, AI oversight, and climate change, aligned with Senegal’s 2050 vision. (TechAfrica News)
Funding
Tunisia’s Addvocate.AI secures 216 Capital backing
#Tunisia #funding — Addvocate.AI, a startup based in Tunisia and France, has raised funding from venture firm 216 Capital to advance its AI-driven “Sales Performance OS”. Founded in 2024, the platform helps sales teams consolidate data, generate insights, and improve client engagement. The new investment (no numbers given) will support innovation and international expansion. (Daba Finance)
DCs and AI Factories
Uganda plans sovereign AI factory with NVIDIA
#Uganda #datacentre — The Aeonian Project is set to launch an “AI factory” in Uganda powered by surplus energy from the Karuma dam. Its centrepiece, a 10MW sovereign supercomputer built with NVIDIA, MDCS.AI (NL) and Automation NV (Belgium), will support AI development in healthcare, education and research. The facility will connect to a 2,500km fibre backbone linking Uganda to global networks. (Business Insider Africa)
Namibia expands coding initiative with AI focus
#Namibia #education — UNESCO has launched Phase II of Namibia’s Youth Coding Initiative, integrating coding and AI into the national ICT curriculum. Supported by CODEMAO, device manufacturer OPPO, and the embassy of China, the programme includes the handover of 200 tablets to eight schools. Building on Phase I, which trained 3,000 youth and 350 teachers, the expansion aims to prepare learners for a digital economy. (UNESCO)
Education
Morocco’s UM6P opens new hub in New York
#Morocco #education – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) has inaugurated its second US hub in New York to link African innovation with American academia and industry. The centre builds on UM6P’s Massachusetts hub and opens new pathways for African startups. (Morocco World News)
AUI, PMU launch AI research chair in Morocco
#Morocco #research – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University have signed an agreement to create the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Chair for AI Applications. The chair will drive applied research, innovation, and skills development, supporting socio-economic priorities in both countries. (Morocco World News)
Senegal trains lawmakers in digital skills push
#Senegal #education — Senegal has trained its National Assembly members in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data protection as part of the country’s “New Deal Technologique”. The initiative, supported by the UNODC, aims to digitise parliamentary services and enhance policymaking. Recent advances include an electronic voting system and plans for a parliamentary TV channel and interactive website. (We Are Tech Africa)
Morocco launches AI Summer School 2025 in Rabat
#Morocco #education — Morocco’s AI Summer School 2025 has opened at the National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (INPT) in Rabat, co-organised with IMT Nord Europe and Soft Centre. The programme connects students with leading researchers and industry experts to build future AI talent. Supported by Google and ACM, it aims to strengthen Morocco’s role as a regional technology hub. (Tech Review Africa)
Rwanda rolls out nationwide Day of AI programme
#Rwanda #education — Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and the Rwanda Education Board have launched the Day of AI programme to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms. Teachers are being trained to teach AI concepts, ethics and problem-solving within the ICT curriculum. Developed by MIT and used in 170 countries, this is the largest national rollout of the programme in Africa. (iAfrica)
South Africa sees 352% rise in AI job postings
#SouthAfrica #skills — Online recruitment platform Pnet reports a sharp rise in AI-related hiring, with demand for AI expertise up 352% since 2019. AI-skilled roles, requiring proficiency with tools like ChatGPT, have grown fastest at 488%, while AI-specific jobs such as data engineers and machine learning experts climbed 252%. Employers are rapidly redefining skills for the digital workplace. (AI Impact)
Applications
Nigerian gas major unveils AI strategy for operations
#Nigeria #applications — Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) is embedding artificial intelligence across its value chain to improve efficiency and safety. At Gastech 2025 in Milan, deputy MD Olakunle Osobu said AI supports the firm’s Goal Zero policy, enabling predictive maintenance, emissions monitoring and VR-based staff training. Smart cameras and satellite analytics are also enhancing compliance and reliability. (Energy Focus Report)
[ This newsletter was human spliced and AI diced ]