By Gift Briton
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute to advance responsible innovation, strengthen policy development, and build technical capacity in technology across the continent.
The launch, held virtually, brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners from Africa and Europe. The goal is to place Africa at the forefront of inclusive and locally relevant AI advancement.
In his keynote address, Dr. Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor for Science, Technology and Innovation at the European Union (EU) Delegation to the African Union (AU), emphasized the EU’s commitment to building collaborative research and innovation frameworks with Africa.
“The EU seeks to enhance cooperation with Africa to promote targeted actions to finding locally adapted solutions to global challenges,” Dr.Bochereau said.
This cooperation includes a €500.5 million allocation under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025, earmarked to support 24 research themes, including AI.
The launch comes at a time when Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly. Kenya, for instance, projects that its digital economy will reach 9.24% of GDP, while the continent-wide figure is expected to hit 5.2% by 2025.
The institute will focus on developing AI strategies aligned with the AU’s Continental AI Strategy, which outlines 15 action areas. These include AI governance, agricultural applications, healthcare, education, and gender equity.
Prof. Brando Okolo, Head of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA)-NEPAD, welcomed the institute’s launch, noting the need for institutions that bridge the gap between policy and implementation.
Ambassador Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s envoy to Belgium, stressed that Africa must take ownership of its AI journey, stating “We cannot afford to be passive recipients of AI technology.”
The institute will actively support AU member states in designing national AI strategies while helping coordinate cross-border regulatory cooperation.
One of the key areas of focus is gender inclusion in AI. During the event, Dr. Devotha Nyambo, founder of ComTech Alliance, shared research on barriers women face in accessing AI-driven solutions.
Her findings indicate that women farmers frequently lack access to mobile phones and internet connectivity, which hinders their ability to utilize AI-powered tools for farming.
“AI models built on biased data risk excluding women and marginalized communities,” Dr. Nyambo warned, calling for the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data in AI development.
In addition to gender inclusion, the institute will promote community-led design processes. This ensures that AI tools are tailored to local needs rather than imposed from outside.
Naser Faruqui, Director at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), supported this approach, stressing the importance of human-centred development.
“We need AI systems that are safe, inclusive, sustainable and based on human rights,” said Faruqui.
The ACTS AI Institute will also lead innovation across sectors. In agriculture, it will help develop tools to improve yield prediction, soil health monitoring, and irrigation.
In healthcare, AI can support diagnosis, remote consultations, and disease surveillance. On the climate front, AI can track weather patterns, support flood risk management, and enhance adaptation efforts.
To scale this work, the institute will create centres of excellence. These will conduct research, share knowledge across regions, and work with existing AI-focused institutions on the continent.
The institute will also help African nations harmonize legal and ethical frameworks for AI. Countries like Algeria, Egypt, Rwanda, Senegal, Benin, and Mauritius already have national AI strategies and data protection laws. Others, including Ethiopia, Malawi, and Namibia, are developing draft frameworks.
Another key pillar is skills development. The institute plans to train educators, students, and professionals in coding, data science, and AI systems to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
The AU’s Continental AI Strategy will be rolled out in two phases. Phase one, from 2025 to 2026, will focus on governance and capacity building. Phase two, beginning in 2028, will implement core AI projects across sectors.
To support these efforts, the institute will work closely with Regional Economic Communities, AU agencies, and national governments. Innovative financing models are also being explored to fund long-term AI capacity building.
The institute will also address AI safety and security, establishing expert groups to assess risks and convening an annual AI safety conference. There are also plans to promote research in local languages and develop multilingual education technologies, ensuring AI tools are inclusive and accessible.
The launch event also spotlighted new partnership opportunities. The GenAI for Africa call under Horizon Europe targets gender-responsive and locally driven AI solutions, offering funding for African researchers and innovators.
