When people think about artificial intelligence (AI), the conversation often revolves around Silicon Valley or major European tech hubs. Rarely does Africa feature as part of the discussion. Yet, from my perspective working across energy and infrastructure on the continent, Africa stands to benefit as much as any region—perhaps even more.
AI has the potential to transform the way Africa generates, distributes, and manages energy, while also improving how we build and operate critical infrastructure. Used wisely, it could help us leapfrog outdated systems and create smarter, more efficient solutions for the future.
Why AI Matters for Africa’s Development
Africa faces unique challenges. Nearly half of the continent’s population still lacks reliable access to electricity. Infrastructure gaps in transport, healthcare, and housing slow down economic growth. Traditional models of building and managing these systems are often too costly and too slow to keep up with demand.
This is where AI comes in. By using data-driven insights, machine learning, and predictive analytics, Africa can build infrastructure that is not only modern but also adaptive to local conditions. The beauty of AI is that it allows us to optimize limited resources, make better decisions, and respond more quickly to challenges.
For example, AI can predict energy demand, detect faults in power grids before they happen, and even manage renewable energy sources like solar and wind more efficiently. In regions where every kilowatt of power counts, these gains can be transformative.
Smarter Energy Systems
One of the most promising areas for AI in Africa is energy. Across the continent, we are seeing growth in renewable energy—solar farms, wind projects, and mini-grids powering rural communities. However, renewables come with challenges: they are intermittent, weather-dependent, and require careful balancing with other energy sources.
AI can help solve this. Through predictive modeling, AI can forecast solar output or wind speeds, allowing operators to better plan for fluctuations. It can also help utilities match supply with demand in real time, reducing waste and improving reliability.
For example, in rural communities powered by solar mini-grids, AI-driven systems can monitor usage patterns and optimize storage, ensuring that limited battery capacity is used effectively. These kinds of smart systems can make renewable energy more dependable and more affordable.
Improving Infrastructure Management
AI is not just about energy—it can also improve how we design, build, and maintain infrastructure more broadly. Africa has huge infrastructure needs, from roads and railways to ports and hospitals. Building new projects is one challenge, but keeping them operational is another.
AI-powered tools can monitor bridges and roads for structural weaknesses, predict maintenance needs, and extend the life of critical assets. In healthcare, AI can help hospitals manage patient flows or predict equipment failures before they cause disruptions. In transport, AI can improve traffic management in congested cities like Lagos or Nairobi, reducing time lost on the road and cutting emissions.
The common thread is efficiency. AI gives us the ability to do more with less—a critical advantage in regions where budgets are stretched and the needs are vast.
Unlocking Investment and Growth
Adoption of technology is an area in which Africa has led by example in many instances. One of the best and obvious examples is the adoption of ‘mobile money’, which revolutionized financial inclusion providing access to millions of people outside of the formal banking sector to access financial services via mobile phones instead of brick-and-mortar banks. Similarly, the opportunity is clear and apparent for AI in Africa. It can and will drive economic growth, increase inclusion, enhance efficiencies and access and solve and optimize real-world problems.
Cloud computing adoption is growing at an annual rate of 25%-30% and according to reports AI market’s value in Africa is estimated at close to USD 5.0 billion in 2025 and growing in the double digits on a compounded basis. Factoring in demographics and comparative adoption from similar high tech innovations in Africa, it is not out of the realm of possibility that AI could stimulate 100-200 million jobs in the digital sector in this sub region.
Building Human Capacity Alongside Technology
Of course, AI is not a silver bullet. Technology alone cannot solve Africa’s challenges. To unlock its full potential, we must also invest in people. That means training engineers, data scientists, project managers, and policymakers who can design, implement, and regulate AI-driven systems.
One of my personal passions has been supporting young Africans through education and mentorship. I believe that if we equip the next generation with the skills to harness AI, they will not only solve Africa’s challenges but also contribute solutions to the rest of the world.
Addressing Risks and Concerns
We also need to acknowledge the risks that come with AI. Data privacy, cybersecurity, and job displacement are real concerns. Africa cannot afford to adopt AI blindly without putting safeguards in place.
Governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to build frameworks that ensure AI is used responsibly. This includes setting standards for data protection, ensuring transparency in how AI systems make decisions, and making sure that technology complements human work rather than replaces it.
A Path Forward
The role of AI in Africa’s energy and infrastructure development is not about copying what others are doing—it’s about creating solutions that work for Africa. The continent’s energy transition, urban growth, and infrastructure demands all present opportunities for AI to make a real difference.
By combining investment in technology with investment in people, Africa can not only close its infrastructure gap but also lead the way in showing how AI can be used for inclusive, sustainable development.
Given my role as Chair of the Strategy Sub Committee for the Board of a major financial institution in Africa and someone who has worked at the crossroads of finance, energy, and entrepreneurship, I believe this is one of the most exciting opportunities of our time. The question is not whether AI will play a role in Africa’s future—it is whether we will have the vision and commitment to use it wisely and be bold enough to embrace it.
Africa has the chance to leapfrog, to build smarter and faster than ever before. And if we do, the world will be looking to Africa not just as a participant in the AI revolution, but as a leader in shaping its future.