Ahead of the Global AI Summit in Kigali, Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, discusses the future of artificial intelligence on the continent in an interview with Omar Ben Yedder, editor-in-chief of the African Business portal.
Artificial intelligence (AI) could be a paradigm shift for Africa's development, despite the global technology gap that still affects the continent. According to Lacina Koné, AI will speed up access to information and improve interaction with public services, even for people with low literacy. This would contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
AI can optimise key sectors such as agriculture and health, but its effective implementation requires digital infrastructure, sound policies and capacity building. A report by the African Union (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with Microsoft Research and other institutions, highlights that, in South Africa, generative AI could increase GDP by 0.5% through automation. However, it warns of the risk of job displacement and the need to invest in training and retraining.
Koné emphasises that AI depends on a solid digital infrastructure, accessible connectivity and data centres. Currently, only 46% of Africans use the internet, although coverage reaches 85%. The main problem lies in the affordability and availability of smart devices. Studies by Smart Africa and the World Bank identify four critical factors for the future of AI in Africa: low digital penetration, limited access to devices, scarcity of relevant content and cybersecurity concerns.
To overcome these challenges, Koné advocates for policy harmonisation, clear regulatory frameworks for startups and more investment in training, such as that offered by the Smart Africa Academy.
Data governance: a strategic priority
The battle for the future is the battle for data," says Koné. He argues that Africa must retain and manage its own data by establishing storage centres on the continent. Currently, of the 8,000 data centres in the world, only 152 are in Africa, posing a threat to digital sovereignty.
To ensure digital development in line with African realities, Koné proposes technological models that respect the values, cultures and needs of the continent.
Smart Africa, an organisation founded in 2013 by seven African leaders and now with 41 member countries, works to accelerate digitalisation in Africa. Its mission includes improving broadband infrastructure, promoting government transparency, strengthening the private sector and fostering innovation through startups and young talent.
Koné stresses the importance of harmonising regulatory frameworks in connectivity, governance and data protection, seeing Africa as a unified market rather than a sum of fragmented countries.
Smart Africa collaborates with governments, development partners, civil society and academia in defining national digital strategies. Examples include smart city initiatives in Rwanda, digital identity in Benin, e-payments in Ghana and cyber security in Côte d'Ivoire.
Among its key projects, the organisation drives connectivity, innovation, digital transformation and development acceleration. It has also developed a cybersecurity master plan and the Smart Africa Digital Academy, which trains civil servants, startups and promotes STEM education programmes.
Koné concludes that AI represents a $2.9 trillion economic opportunity for Africa by 2030. Smart Africa will focus its efforts on connectivity, innovation, policy harmonisation and training as strategic axes for the coming years.
Source: african.business 02/04/2025