26-03-2025
GITEX Africa: Exploring AI's Role in Shaping Africa's Digital Future
Marrakech – In Africa, AI is not just a buzzword — it's solving real, centuries-old problems in healthcare, connectivity, and economic inclusion.
Want a front-row seat to this experience? Well, welcome to GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, happening on April 14–16, where AI, digital transformation, and smart cities take center stage.
During the AI Everything conference, you'll meet the brightest minds in the field, tackling hot topics like 'The Workforce in the AI Era,' 'Governance, Ethics & Responsibility,' and 'Community & Development.'
And don't miss the SDG11 Challenge on April 16 — an AI-driven initiative focused on creating sustainable cities and communities across Africa, with expert guidance and innovative solutions taking the spotlight.
AI & Africa
From diagnosing diseases in rural clinics to optimizing crop yields, AI is quietly transforming the continent, one algorithm at a time.
For decades, access to quality healthcare in Africa has been a challenge, especially in remote areas where medical professionals are scarce. AI is changing that by stepping in as a digital doctor of sorts.
Take Chil FemTech Center, a startup co-founded by Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa. The company uses AI-powered tools to assist women with early cancer detection, especially in Uganda and Burundi.
AI-driven diagnostic tools analyze medical scans with higher accuracy, allowing doctors to detect diseases like breast cancer and cervical cancer much earlier than traditional methods.
The African Union is also championing AI for health transformation.
At the World Health Summit in 2024, AU Commissioner Amani Abou-Zeid highlighted AI's crucial role in making healthcare more accessible across the continent. She cited successful AI-driven healthcare initiatives in Zambia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Egypt, where AI is helping diagnose diseases, improve maternal health, and streamline hospital operations.
For AI to truly work its magic, internet connectivity is key. Yet, large parts of Africa still lack reliable internet access.
This is where the big guns come in: AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT), working together to bridge this digital divide.
Governments and private companies are now integrating AI with telecom infrastructure to bring fast, reliable internet to rural areas.
In Kenya and Nigeria, AI-powered satellite and mobile solutions are expanding connectivity, allowing businesses, farmers, and healthcare services to thrive.
The International Finance Corporation estimates that Africa's internet economy could be worth $180 billion by 2025.
Africa's agricultural sector employs over 60% of its workforce, yet many farmers still struggle with low yields due to unpredictable weather, poor soil conditions, and outdated farming techniques. AI is stepping in to change that.
Smart farming solutions powered by AI, such as precision agriculture, help farmers make data-driven decisions.
For example, AI algorithms analyze satellite images and weather data to advise farmers on the best time to plant or harvest. Companies like Agrix Tech in Cameroon use AI to diagnose crop diseases via smartphone images, helping farmers prevent losses before they escalate.
Additionally, AI-powered irrigation systems are revolutionizing water management.
These systems use machine learning to predict when crops need water, reducing waste and ensuring sustainable farming. The impact? Higher productivity, better food security, and more stable incomes for farmers.
For millions of Africans, traditional banking is out of reach.
But AI-powered fintech is changing that by making financial services more accessible.
Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have already revolutionized banking in Kenya, but AI takes it further with personalized credit scoring, fraud detection, and automated customer support.
Companies like Paga in Nigeria use AI to analyze transaction histories and determine creditworthiness, allowing more people to access loans without traditional credit scores.
This is especially crucial for small businesses that need capital to grow.
Overcoming challenges
As promising as AI is for Africa, the road to full digital transformation is not without its bumps. The biggest challenges? Data privacy, infrastructure, and the skills gap.
With AI comes the question: Who owns the data? Many AI solutions rely on vast amounts of personal data, from health records to financial transactions.
Without clear regulations, there's a risk of data misuse or breaches.
Governments and tech companies need to work together to ensure ethical AI deployment, with transparent policies on data protection and consent .
AI thrives on high-speed internet and electricity — two things that are still not guaranteed across Africa.
While projects like Google's Equiano subsea cable and Starlink's satellite internet expansion aim to improve connectivity, many rural areas remain underserved.
Without consistent internet and power, AI solutions can't reach the people who need them most.
Additionally, AI needs people who can build, maintain, and innovate. However, Africa faces a shortage of AI-trained professionals.
The good news? Initiatives like the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and Google's AI research center in Ghana are training a new generation of AI experts.
More investment in education and digital skills is crucial to ensure Africa doesn't just consume AI but also creates and leads in AI innovation.
The future!
Africa's AI revolution is just beginning, but the momentum is undeniable. With a young, tech-savvy population and increasing investment in digital infrastructure, the continent is well-positioned to leapfrog traditional development paths and become a global leader in AI-driven solutions.
AI isn't just about robots or futuristic gadgets — it's about solving real problems.
Whether it's diagnosing diseases, connecting the unconnected, ensuring food security, or expanding financial inclusion, AI is proving that technology, when used right, is a game-changer for Africa.
And maybe, just maybe, the next big AI breakthrough won't come from Silicon Valley but from a young innovator in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra. Watch this space.
