Africa Invests $60 Billion in AI Development Through Africa AI Fund After Declaration on AI

Africa is making a significant push into the artificial intelligence sector, with a planned investment of $60 billion through the Africa AI Fund. This commitment, representing 2.2% of the continent's GDP, aims to foster a safe, inclusive, and competitive AI economy across Africa. The investment commitment forms part of the Africa Declaration on AI, signed by 52 countries on April 4, 2025. The Africa AI Council will be established under the Smart Africa Steering Committee, co-chaired by the African Union Commission and the International Telecommunications Union, to strategically guide and align continental and global digital transformation efforts. This council will play a crucial role in shaping Africa's position in the global AI landscape by engaging experts from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia. The Africa AI Fund will focus on developing and expanding AI infrastructure, scaling African AI enterprises, building a robust pipeline of AI practitioners, and strengthening domestic AI research capabilities. These efforts are designed to address existing infrastructure shortcomings and data limitations that currently hinder Africa's AI capabilities. The initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that AI technologies benefit all segments of society and drive inclusive growth.