AI's transformative potential in Africa: Insights from GITEX Africa 2025

Marrakech – In Africa, artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a trend; it is actively addressing age-old challenges in sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, and economic inclusion.

For those eager to witness this transformation firsthand, GITEX Africa 2025 is set to take place in Marrakech from April 14–16. The event will prominently feature AI, digital transformation, and the development of smart cities.

At the AI Everything conference, attendees will engage with leading experts discussing critical topics, including “The Workforce in the AI Era,” “Governance, Ethics & Responsibility,” and “Community & Development.” A highlight of the event will be the SDG11 Challenge on April 16, an initiative focused on leveraging AI to create sustainable urban environments across Africa.

AI's impact on healthcare

AI is making significant strides in healthcare, particularly in remote areas where access to quality medical services is limited. Innovations such as AI-powered diagnostic tools are enabling early disease detection, as exemplified by the Chil FemTech Center in Uganda and Burundi, which aids women in identifying cancer at earlier stages.

The African Union is also advocating for AI's role in healthcare reform. At the World Health Summit in 2024, AU Commissioner Amani Abou-Zeid emphasized AI's potential to enhance healthcare accessibility, citing successful initiatives in countries like Zambia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Egypt.

Bridging the connectivity gap

To harness AI's full potential, reliable internet connectivity is essential. However, many regions in Africa still struggle with inadequate online access. This gap is being addressed through the integration of AI with telecommunications infrastructure to provide faster internet services, particularly in rural areas. In countries like Kenya and Nigeria, AI-driven satellite and mobile technologies are expanding connectivity, empowering businesses, farmers, and healthcare initiatives.

Revolutionizing agriculture

AI is also transforming Africa's agricultural landscape, where over 60% of the workforce is employed. Technologies such as precision agriculture enable farmers to make informed decisions based on data analysis, enhancing crop yields. Companies like Agrix Tech in Cameroon utilize AI to diagnose crop diseases via smartphone images, allowing for timely interventions.

Furthermore, AI-powered irrigation systems are optimizing water usage, leading to sustainable farming practices and improved food security.

Financial inclusion through AI

In the realm of finance, AI is enhancing access to financial services for millions who have traditionally been underserved. Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have revolutionized banking in Kenya, and AI is furthering this evolution by enabling personalized credit scoring and fraud detection. Companies such as Paga in Nigeria leverage AI to analyze transaction histories, facilitating loan access for small businesses.

Challenges ahead

Despite its promising future, Africa's journey towards digital transformation is fraught with challenges. Key concerns include data privacy, infrastructure limitations, and a shortage of skilled professionals. The reliance on personal data for AI applications raises questions about ownership and consent, necessitating clear regulations to prevent misuse.

Moreover, inconsistent access to electricity and high-speed internet remains a hurdle. While initiatives like Google’s Equiano subsea cable aim to enhance connectivity, many rural areas still lack essential services.

The shortage of AI-trained professionals poses another challenge. However, organizations like the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and Google’s AI research center in Ghana are working to cultivate a new generation of experts in the field.

The future of AI in Africa

Africa’s AI journey is just beginning, but the signs of progress are evident. With a dynamic, tech-savvy youth and increasing investment in digital infrastructure, the continent is poised to redefine traditional developmental pathways and emerge as a leader in AI innovation.

AI is not confined to robots or futuristic technologies; it is fundamentally about addressing real-world issues. As the continent embraces AI to enhance healthcare, connectivity, food security, and financial inclusion, it showcases technology’s potential as a transformative force. The next significant breakthrough in AI may well originate from a young innovator in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra.