Africa risks missing out on AI revolution benefits

March 8, 2021

3 minutes read

Africa risks missing out on AI revolution benefits

African economies are at risk of falling behind in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, which is reshaping global business practices. The continent’s limited virtual storage capacity and outdated mobile technology are significant barriers to fully embracing this shift.

Businesses that integrate AI into their operations require high-speed connectivity and large-scale data storage, prompting tech companies to invest billions in virtual data storage facilities worldwide. However, Africa is still focused on closing its connectivity gap, particularly in rural areas, according to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).

Despite progress in moving away from 2G technology, Africa continues to invest in 3G and 4G networks, while much of the world is adopting 5G. This newer technology is essential for supporting advanced fields like autonomous vehicles, urban management, and digital content creation.

John Omo, ATU’s Secretary General, emphasized that for Africa to transition into the AI era, governments and the private sector must invest in cloud storage and upgrade to 5G technology. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain, Omo highlighted the need for public education to help users harness the opportunities AI brings.

“Switzerland alone has more cloud storage than the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. That shows how much progress we need to make in terms of building cloud infrastructure and creating a unified network across the continent,” Omo said. He also noted that AI, which relies heavily on data, is transforming industries such as agriculture, media, and ICT. However, African countries must improve their data legislation to ensure secure and efficient use of information.

Some African countries, like Kenya, have already made strides in regulating data use. Kenya’s Data Protection Act, enacted in 2019, provides guidelines for handling personal information. Other East African nations, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, have followed suit, introducing similar legislation to protect data.

Omo stressed the importance of recognizing that we are now living in a data-driven economy, where access to and control of information will be key in shaping how AI can serve different sectors.

However, despite the progress in enacting data protection laws, the region still faces challenges related to internet access. The East African Community (EAC) and the broader Sub-Saharan Africa must bridge the gaps in internet coverage and usage to maximize the potential of new technologies like AI.

According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) 2023 report on mobile internet connectivity, only 25 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population—around 290 million people—have access to mobile internet, compared to the global average of 51 percent. An additional 15 percent, or 180 million people, live in areas without mobile broadband coverage, while 59 percent, or 690 million people, live within coverage areas but do not use mobile internet services.

One key factor limiting internet access is the availability of smartphones. In Kenya, smartphone ownership in urban areas stood at 56 percent by the end of 2022, but only 37 percent in rural areas. Even among those who own smartphones, 10 percent were not using mobile internet, with 27 percent unaware that such services exist.

As the AI revolution gains momentum globally, Africa will need to address these technological and infrastructural gaps to avoid being left behind. Investment in 5G technology, cloud storage, and public education will be crucial in ensuring that the continent benefits from the opportunities AI offers.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

COMESA

COMESA Digital Payments: Platform Transforms Trade in 2025

On October 10, 2025, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Zamtel ...

Catholic Church

Kenya Altar Wine: Catholic Church Unveils New Sacramental Drink

On October 4, 2025, the Kenyan Catholic Church introduced a new Kenya altar wine for ...

WHO

WHO Urges India to Strengthen Drug Safety After Child Deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised serious concerns about weaknesses in India’s pharmaceutical regulations. ...

Peru

Peru Impeaches President Boluarte Amid Unrest

On October 10, 2025, Peru’s Congress removed President Dina Boluarte from office. A late-night session ...

Features

Countries Aircraft

African Countries with the Largest Military Aircraft Fleets in 2025

Africa’s military aircraft fleets are key for defense, surveillance, and peacekeeping. In 2025, several nations ...

Countries

Top 10 African Countries with Best Salaries in 2025

Africa’s job market is growing fast. In 2025, some countries offer great pay. This list ...

Kanye West

New Documentary Explores Kanye West’s Turbulent Journey

A new documentary, In Whose Name?, directed by Nico Ballesteros, offers an intimate look at ...

japa

Top 9 African Countries Sending Immigrants to the United States

Africa’s influence in the United States continues to expand through immigration. Many individuals from the ...

GOLD_3_6

Top 10 Countries Benefiting from Gold Trading in 2025

Gold trading drives wealth for nations with large reserves. In 2025, countries with significant gold ...

FNB-Stadium

Top 10 Most Expensive Stadiums in Africa for 2025

Africa’s sports infrastructure shines with world-class stadiums built for football, rugby, and major events. These ...

Gold

Top Gold-Producing Countries in Africa for 2025

Africa remains a global leader in gold production, contributing significantly to the world’s supply. In ...

digital-nomad-visa

Top 10 Digital Nomad Visa Countries for 2025

As remote work continues to thrive, digital nomad visas offer professionals the chance to live ...

Latest News

Today in History

Error: cURL error 28: Connection timed out after 5001 milliseconds

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram381.3255
GH Ghana Cedi12.2107
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,645.55
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,463.54
CF CFA Franc BEAC564.6631
13 Oct · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 13 Oct 2025 01:05 UTC
Latest change: 13 Oct 2025 01:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?