Google puts forward policy blueprint for AI in Africa

Strong government policy is crucial for unlocking Africa's AI potential.

That is the view put forward by the Google-commissioned AI Policy Blueprint for Africa report by Nextrade Group which argues there is a strong connection between policy readiness and AI adoption.

The research report draws on insights from more than 2,000 African firms, students and other stakeholders, advocating that proactive AI policies are crucial for Africa.

"The research reveals an important correlation: African countries with established, pro-digital policies have significantly higher AI adoption rates," Doron Avni, Google VP for government affairs and public policy for emerging markets, said in a blog post about the report.

Nextrade Group said the use of AI can deliver extraordinary productivity and development gains for African economies and firms, streamline and scale government service delivery, and help African economies attract foreign investment.

"However, AI use and AI policies are still quite nascent in Africa. Most countries have yet to adopt an AI strategy or policy, and the adoption of key policies conducive to AI such as data privacy and transfer and consumer protection laws, fair use copyright rules, and national AI skilling programs is still a work in progress in the continent," the report said.

Related:Google to invest $5.8M in African AI training

The research found that while African firms and the youth reported considerable gains from AI, they also shared concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity related to AI use, and about the specter of data localization that would limit access to data for building robust AI models and testing AI models across jurisdictions.

Blueprint recommendations

Building on Google's April 2024 AI Sprinters report, the blueprint outlines four key pillars for governments to consider when developing a roadmap to fully realize AI's potential:

Related:AI-related searches surge in SA, Nigeria & Kenya – Google

Avni said the pillars provide a framework for creating an environment where AI can drive progress across all sectors.

"This blueprint arrives at a significant moment. The African Union recently adopted its Continental AI Strategy, and individual nations, like Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, have either adopted or are currently developing their own AI frameworks," Avni added.

The report advocates for more AI skilling initiatives, bolstering STEM education, and AI-related capacity-building for SMEs. (Source: wayhomestudio on Freepik)

Across Africa, businesses are embracing AI, with a majority of those surveyed already using generative AI, for use cases like research, marketing and coding and many survey respondents predicted significant revenue growth.

Recent studies reveal that Africans are optimistic about AI's potential, but citizens believe governments must play a crucial role. They expect their leaders to ensure AI is used responsibly, to equip young people with essential AI skills, and to support small businesses.

At the regional level, the AI Policy Blueprint proposes aligning Africa's AI policies with international AI policy and governance principles; promoting internationally interoperable AI standards in Africa; and building and pooling regional AI resources and capabilities, for example to establish regional AI development centers that attract both local and global companies to create AI applications. 

To further support these efforts, Google said it is partnering with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Wilton Park, the African Observatory on Responsible AI, and the African Leadership University to convene a gathering of African policymakers and researchers.

The event, taking place this week, brings together stakeholders to discuss how to create a thriving and inclusive AI sector in Africa.

In October 2021, Google announced a $1 billion investment over five years to support Africa's digital transformation.

Since then, Google has begun rolling out new subsea cables, Equiano and Umoja, with the aim to bring faster and more reliable Internet to millions of Africans.

In October 2024, Google pledged $5.8 million in Google.org funding to support AI and cybersecurity training initiatives in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

The company's research centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, are developing AI solutions focusing on critical areas like weather forecasting, food security, mapping and languages.

Today, Google also announced that Kabelo Makwane has been appointed as Google's country director for South Africa starting on January 6, 2025.