Zimbabwe unveils AI strategy; Omani-Rwandan data centre build
Weekly News Digest...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
First? Why the flash BMW pic? Because it’s a chance to AI generate a cool picture for the story about BMW South Africa being their global AI manufacturing tech lead.
Busy week for policy, with Zimbabwe (AfricaAINews.com deep dive here) unveiling its national AI strategy, and South Africa sets target date for the final version of its AI Policy. At the same time, some smaller economies seem to be getting traction with their forward planning, with Mali, Botswana and Cote d’Ivoire announcing initiatives.
A slightly worrisome story is our last story this week, where the Nigerian military is planning to spend big on AI capabilities, for intelligence gathering as well as on the battlefield. There is growing concern that defence technology companies (private and state) are using developing countries with less robust checks and balances as R&D opportunities.
On with this week’s issue.
/Roger
Policy
Zimbabwe launches national AI strategy
#Zimbabwe #AIstrategy — Zimbabwe has unveiled its National AI Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year roadmap designed to drive inclusive growth, digital sovereignty and innovation across sectors including agriculture, mining, healthcare and education. Developed with UNESCO support, the strategy emphasises AI skills development, national compute infrastructure, ethical governance and Ubuntu-based principles, positioning Zimbabwe as a regional hub for AI-driven development. (Africa AI News)
South Africa sets 2027 target for revised AI policy
#SouthAfrica #AIpolicy — South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies aims to release a revised national AI policy for public comment by January 2027 after withdrawing an earlier draft that contained fictitious references. Minister Solly Malatsi has appointed a seven-member expert panel to review the document, with Cabinet consideration expected by November 2026. (Reuters)
Botswana advances national AI development agenda
#Botswana #AIadoption — Botswana has outlined new steps to strengthen AI adoption and digital transformation, highlighting government efforts to build local skills, improve digital infrastructure and encourage innovation across key sectors. Officials emphasised the importance of responsible AI deployment, capacity building and collaboration between government, academia and industry. (DailyNews Botswana)
Pan-African project focuses on AI governance
#Africa #governance — Members of the Media Rights Agenda consortium have launched the Pan-Africanism Project on AI Governance to promote inclusive and rights-based approaches to AI regulation. The initiative will support research, advocacy and policy engagement across multiple countries, focusing on transparency, accountability and the protection of digital rights. (IFEX)
Tanzania warns against misuse of AI tools
#Tanzania #governance — Tanzania’s government has instructed institutions to take action against negligent supervisors while also cautioning officials about the misuse of AI technologies. Authorities stressed the need for accountability, ethical technology use and stronger oversight in workplaces and educational environments as digital tools become more widely adopted. (Daily News Tanzania)
Data Centres and COEs
Oman to invest in Rwanda AI-ready data centre
#Rwanda #Oman #datacentres — Broadband Systems Corporation and Oman Data Park (now Otech) have signed an agreement to jointly invest in an AI-ready Tier III data centre in Kigali. The project will strengthen cloud, data processing and digital infrastructure capabilities while supporting Rwanda’s wider technology transformation ambitions. (TechAfrica News)
Funding
Efham.ai raises funding to expand Arabic AI learning
#Egypt #edtech - Egypt-based NixAI has secured investment from Foras.AI for its Efham.ai platform, which aims to build the first Arabic-language community focused on AI education. Efham.ai plans to launch more than 100 training lessons by the end of Q3 2026 across key Arab markets. (Wamda)
Morocco partners with Orange to boost AI plans
#Morocco #applications — Morocco has signed a strategic partnership with Orange to accelerate AI adoption and digital innovation. The agreement will support the development of advanced digital services, skills programmes and technology infrastructure, reinforcing Morocco’s ambitions to become a regional hub for emerging technologies and digital transformation. (Morocco World News)
Economy
Egypt targets $6 billion in outsourcing exports
#Egypt #economy — Egypt is targeting $6 billion in outsourcing exports this year as it expands its digital economy strategy. The government is advancing technology zones, mobile phone manufacturing, data centre investment and AI-ready infrastructure to strengthen its global services position. (Daily News Egypt)
Egypt seeks deeper Korea technology ties
#Egypt #investment - Egypt is expanding cooperation with South Korea on digital transformation, industrial development and emerging technologies. Discussions between Egyptian officials and the Export-Import Bank of Korea focused on investment, development financing and expertise to support Egypt’s Vision 2030 objectives. (Ahram Online)
Education
Mali launches AI and robotics forum
#Mali #education — Mali has launched a national AI and robotics forum aimed at addressing youth unemployment through technology-driven skills development and entrepreneurship. The initiative brings together government, academia and industry stakeholders to explore how emerging technologies can create new economic opportunities and strengthen workforce readiness. (AI Assemblage)
Côte d’Ivoire plans AI-focused university
#CotedIvoire #education — Côte d’Ivoire plans to establish a university dedicated to AI as part of efforts to build advanced digital skills and strengthen innovation capacity. The institution is expected to support research, specialist training and talent development, helping prepare a new generation of technology professionals for the digital economy. (Powers of Africa)
Applications
BMW South Africa exports factory AI worldwide
#SouthAfrica #automotive — BMW Group’s Pretoria IT Hub has become a key source of AI systems now used across the company’s global manufacturing network. Established in 2006, the hub develops AI, finance and SAP applications and is the automaker’s largest IT operation outside Germany. The facility supports BMW’s digital transformation, supporting production, software development and AI deployment worldwide. (TechCentral)
Ghana launches AI-driven health programme
#Ghana #healthcare — Ghana has launched an AI-driven health programme designed to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes while safeguarding ethical standards. Supported by the World Health Organization, the initiative will use AI tools to enhance decision-making, service delivery and health system resilience across the country. (World Health Organization Africa)
Job seekers get AI tools to get hired
#SouthAfrica #employment — Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) alumnus Banele Mgwevu has launched ITSAGO, an AI-powered interview coaching and career preparation platform designed to help graduates improve interview performance, CVs and workplace readiness. The platform offers AI-generated feedback, career coaching and applicant tracking tools. (Tshwane University of Technology)
Defence
Nigeria unveils AI-powered military modernisation
#Nigeria #applications — Nigeria’s Federal Government has unveiled plans to modernise the armed forces through an AI-powered intelligence initiative known as Intelligence Shield. The programme aims to improve surveillance, threat detection and operational decision-making capabilities, supporting broader efforts to strengthen national security through advanced digital technologies. (Military Africa)
[ This newsletter was human conceived and AI gestated ]