Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

AI likely to add $30bn to Africa's economy by 2034 — Research report

POSTED ON September 24, 2024 •   TECHNOLOGY      BY Benedicta Bassey
Artificial intelligence/ Photo credit: Live science

Artificial intelligence is gradually gaining ground in Africa, impacting significantly its economic growth and development.

A new report by the research consultancy public first, commissioned by Google stated that Artificial Intelligence could contribute more than $30bn to Africa’s economy over the next decade.

The report captured the transformative potential of AI and other emerging digital technologies, such as cloud computing, in driving economic growth and addressing critical challenges across the continent.

Part of the report stated that, “With AI, the future of Africa’s digital economy is bright and full of possibilities."

It also explored the surge in internet connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, describing it as a “digital decade”, with more than half of the region’s population expected to gain internet access.

It noted that the increased connectivity, coupled with the growing adoption of digital tools, presented a significant opportunity for economic development.

According to the research, "A one per cent rise in internet connectivity could boost the region’s GDP by nearly 6 per cent.

"In 2023 alone, Google’s tools—such as Search, Maps, and YouTube—helped generate $16bn in economic activity across Africa."

The report stated that "Google’s $1bn commitment, announced in 2021, to enhance connectivity, drive innovation, and support local entrepreneurs."

As of May 2024, Google had invested more than $900m in Africa and expects to fulfil its commitment by 2026.

Also the report revealed Scholarships and Digital Skills for Africa programmes trained over 6.5 million people, resulting in a $7.8bn boost in productivity which will in turn impact significantly the economic growth in Africa.

The newly acquired skills have enabled individuals and businesses to operate more efficiently and expand their operations, contributing to the overall economic output, it stated.

It also highlighted that 60 per cent of young adults in Sub-Saharan Africa have used Google Search to apply for jobs, demonstrating the impact of digital tools in building successful careers in the digital economy.

Recommendation for AI adoption in Africa

The report, however, recommended that Africa government must give priority to cloud-first policy and enhance digital infrastructure to support AI adoption and broader digital transformation to harness the potential of AI fully.

The report urged governments to strengthen STEM education, promote AI fluency, and create opportunities for continuous learning.

It also suggested developing high quality, diverse datasets to support responsible AI development and adopting regulations that balance innovation with ethical considerations.

Speaking on the report, the Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN, international, Trixie Lohmirmand, called for increase investment to ensure Africa fully harness the benefits of AI.

READ ALSO
NCC, REA Forge Partnership to Enhance Rural Connectivity and Energy Solutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 3, 2025 0

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have officia...

READ ALSO
Microsoft Cuts 4% of Workforce Amid AI Investment Strategy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 2, 2025 0

Microsoft is set to lay off nearly 4% of its workforce, impacting around 9,000 employees across diff...

READ ALSO
Elon Musk's Robotaxi Ambitions Take Off in Austin amid Controversy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 22, 2025 0

Tesla is set to start its robotaxi service in Austin on Sunday, a move that supporters of Elon Musk...

READ ALSO
Tanzania,  Nigeria Lead Africa in Rising Fraud Rates- Report
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

Tanzania and Nigeria have emerged as the leading countries in Africa for higher fraud rates, accordi...

READ ALSO
OpenAI Secures $200m Contract with US Department of Defense
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 17, 2025 0

The US Department of Defense on Monday awarded OpenAI a $200 million contract to utilize generative...

READ ALSO
60,000 Nigerians Abroad Register on Diaspora Data Mapping Portal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 3, 2025 0

Approximately 60,000 Nigerians residing overseas have registered on the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal...

READ ALSO
Federal Ministry Unveils Digital Village to Bridge Digital Divide in Abuja Community
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched a Digital Villag...

READ ALSO
FG Unveils Project CNG-SPROUT to Revolutionize Campus Transport with Clean Energy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

The federal government has launched a transportation initiative called "Project CNG-SPROUT," designe...

OUR CHANNELS:

Economic Reforms Slash Nigeria's Debt Servicing from 97% to 50%- Oloyede
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, revealed th...


Lagos Passenger Killed in Motorpark Fight
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

Violence broke out in the Alaba Rago area of Iba, Lagos State due to a clash between road transport...


Baba-Ahmed Pledges Unity in Labour Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

The former vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has committed to...


Court Rejects Yahaya Bello Bid for Medical Travel Documents
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

A Federal High Court has denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello's second request to get back...


CBN, Private Sector Raise Concerns Over Nigeria Customs' B’Odogwu Digital Clearance System
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the organized private sector have expressed concerns regarding...


Nigeria-Egypt Trade Surges by 68%, Foreign Minister Highlights Trade Imbalance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

Trade between Nigeria and Egypt has seen a significant increase of 68.45 percent over the past year....


Western Nations Urge Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

Over two dozen Western nations demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza on Monday, hig...


Nigeria Convicts Over 730 in Major Anti-Terrorism Crackdown
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The Federal Government has announced that over 730 people have been convicted of terrorism-related c...


2025 African Karate Championship Kicks Off in Abuja: Four Categories, One Goal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

More than 1,000 competitors from 31 nations have gathered in Abuja for the 2025 African Karate Champ...


Enugu State Cuts Electricity Tariff for Band A Customers to N160/kWh, Effective August 1, 2025
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission has released a new tariff order for MainPower Elec...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu