By Science Africa correspondent
African nations cannot afford to miss the rapidly evolving transformative power of Artificial Intelligence(AI). This is more so when it is noted that the continent missed industrial, agricultural and biotech revolutions.
However, it is already a global village and currently there is unlimited goodwill and increased collaboration among nations, NGOs, research institutes, universities, companies and entrepreneurs keen to help ensure that the rapidly emerging AI revolution includes developing nations.
South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco and Kenya are among the nations moving fast into the AI revolution. This is according to the recent Mastercard’s latest publication – Harnessing the transformative power of AI in Africa August 2025. It is based on a study of the continent’s readiness, opportunity and roadmap for responsible AI adoption.
According to the study, AI can unlock transformative outcomes across the continent’s industries linked to agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, conservation, smart cities, conservation, detecting fraud and finance.
Still, there is need for African nations to note that AI market is projected to grow from US$4.5 billion to US$16.5 billion by 2030, according to a recent report from Statista.
According to Mark Elliott, division president, Africa at Mastercard, “Africa’s engagement with AI is already reshaping lives — not just in labs, but in farms, clinics and classrooms. To unlock its full potential, we need investment in infrastructure, data, talent and policy. At Mastercard, we believe responsible, locally rooted AI can drive inclusive growth and connect more people to opportunity.”
Recently, the African Centre for Technology Studies(ACTS) held a major conference for AI experts from Africa and other continents. ACTS has also established an AI institute on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
