East Africa’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Crafting National AI Strategies for the Region in the Face of the Global Tech Revolution
A REPORT on crafting national AI strategies for the region in the face of the global technology revolution.
Abstract
There are seven continents and 195 countries on Earth, with Africa being home to the most countries – 54. Over 90% of artificial intelligence (AI) research is from North America, Europe, and China, with less than 5% coming from Africa. This highlights a significant imbalance in global AI contribution. As the world rapidly enters an era defined by an AI revolution, East Africa finds itself lagging significantly.
While many regions are embracing AI technologies to drive economic growth, innovation, and societal advancement, East Africa's slower adoption and limited infrastructure could lead to widening disparities. This report serves as an information guide for countries within East Africa as they develop their national AI Strategies, outlining the importance of creating a comprehensive regional AI framework. It highlights the significance of such a framework in shaping a country’s competitive position in the global AI landscape.
The report emphasises the government’s role in balancing private AI innovations and public needs. It covers four main sectors: the ethical and regulatory framework, infrastructure development, industry and economic growth as well as international collaboration.
It looks at the different national AI strategies from across the globe and contextualises the information to discuss the strategies that would be beneficial in the region. The report also highlights that the majority of the current AI systems are built on AI frameworks that are not as relevant to East Africa due to lack of data representation from the region. It argues that East Africa would benefit more from inter-regional than global collaboration due to data similarity. Ultimately, the report advocates for a regional AI strategy that promotes sustainable economic growth, social welfare, and AI leadership through balanced innovation and regulation.
Introduction
The global artificial intelligence (AI) race is intensifying as nations seek to harness its transformative power. As AI rapidly evolves, it is becoming a fundamental driver of economic and industrial progress, as well as individuals’ betterment. The integration of AI promises to enhance public services, boost economic growth and safeguard national interests. However, risks such as misinformation, job displacement and economic inequality make a well-crafted national AI strategy crucial for seamless adoption to provide a competitive edge in this new era.
In a world where data has become the cornerstone of technological advancements, nations that lead in AI stand to reap significant benefits – including improved quality of life, accelerated economic growth, and a strengthened global position. Conversely, regions that remain behind risk missing out on these opportunities, potentially exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges and facing increased global competition. For East Africa, the stakes are high. The region’s slow progress in integrating AI could lead to a widening gap in economic development and further isolate it from the digital economy.
Currently, significant disparities exist between East Africa and technologically advanced regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia. While these regions invest heavily in research, development and technological infrastructure, East Africa grapples with limited resources and inadequate access to education in emerging fields. Addressing these challenges requires urgent and strategic investments in technology and innovation, to avoid East Africa falling further behind as the world pivots into a tech-driven future. The report aims to explore how East African nations can formulate and implement strategies that balance innovation with public welfare, overcome AI illiteracy, and leverage technological advancements for long-term economic and social benefits.
East African nations can still formulate effective AI strategies that balance innovation with public welfare. Despite the huge potential for the region to boost economic growth through necessary technological changes, AI illiteracy within the region is a huge obstacle that hinders any progress. Long-term solutions and effective strategies for the region will be explored.
There are four key areas that are critical to understanding and advancing the AI landscape that will be interrogated. Firstly, the ethical and regulatory framework which is essential for guiding the deployment and development of AI. Secondly, infrastructure developmental needs will be investigated to address the need for investment into digital and physical frameworks. Thirdly, the impact on industry and economic growth will be assessed, highlighting how technological advancements can significantly boost economic growth and industry innovation. Finally, the report will explore the importance of international collaboration, emphasising how global partnerships and cooperative efforts can accelerate progress within the AI market.
Methodology
This report utilises a secondary research approach to develop a comprehensive national AI strategy for East African countries. The methodology includes an extensive review of existing national AI strategies from leading countries and reputable sources, such as the African Union’s (AU) Continental AI Strategy, Rwanda’s National AI Policy and Nigeria’s National AI Strategy. These strategies were analysed to identify best practices, policy frameworks, and strategic priorities, such as infrastructure development, skills training, and regulatory policies relevant to African contexts. Their assessment alongside the inclusion of the European Union’s (EU) AI Act has been completed for reconciliation between continental and international standards and practices.
In addition to reviewing AI strategies, this report incorporates regional contextualisation through research on East African economic, technological, and socio-political environments. Information on these three areas were sourced from reputable publications such as Stanford University’s AI index report, BCG’s national strategy blueprint and more. Special attention was given to identifying the unique challenges and opportunities in East Africa such as the region’s diverse languages, digital infrastructure, and economic disparities. Ways that were considered to procure a comprehensive regional strategy that accommodates these differences include: ethical and regulatory frameworks inspired by global standards but specific to East African countries, investments in infrastructure development, and data representation.
Comparative analyses between different countries’ approaches to AI were conducted to highlight how AI strategies from other countries could be adapted to East Africa’s specific needs, ensuring that the recommendations made are feasible, sustainable, and culturally appropriate for the region. This method creates a balanced AI strategy tailored to East Africa’s development goals.
Continue reading the full report by clicking HERE.