Recap: The AI Gold Rush: Policy Gaps and what Africa can do differently

Across the continent, there are clear signs that African governments are not just observers in this AI revolution but are actively participating through the development of national strategies. These national strategies have already yielded early successes. In Egypt, for instance, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has partnered with 500 Global, a venture capital firm, to host several programs aimed at advancing the six pillars of the country’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030), which was first launched in May 2021. The updated version was also launched in January 2025, a clear move to build upon the foundations of the first version in alignment with the rapid global advancements in AI technologies. This collaboration has led to approximately $30 million in investments in over 67 Egyptian companies. Another essential direct result of Egypt’s national strategy is that the country has climbed 55 places in the global AI readiness index over the past five years.

Egypt’s National AI Strategy extends its influence regionally, promoting AI readiness across the Middle East and Africa, leading through strategic partnerships and regional collaboration. Egypt hosted the 2nd Global Dialogue on AI and Governance and chairs the Arab AI Working Group under the Arab Telecommunications and Information Council of Ministers (ATICM). This achievement aligns with the strategy’s main goal to position Egypt as a leading global hub for artificial intelligence.

In Kenya, Microsoft and G42, an Abu Dhabi-based global technology holding group leading large-scale artificial intelligence and cloud computing initiatives, have committed $1 billion in investment to support AI infrastructure development and cybersecurity education, with the goal of training 1 million Kenyans by 2027 to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Another major initiative is the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital & AI Skilling in Nairobi, established by the Kenyan government, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Microsoft, which aims to train 300,000 public servants across Kenya and Africa in AI and digital skills. The centre supports a broader push for digital innovation in governance, with a nationwide training rollout planned for July 2025.

Similarly, in Nigeria, the government, through the Ministry of Communications and the Digital Economy flagship program named 3MTT, is providing training in the area of artificial intelligence upskilling to thousands of young Nigerians in partnership with various organisations. As part of this effort, Microsoft has contributed a $1million investment through its AI Skilling Initiatives. This collaboration with the Nigerian government supports the country’s draft National AI Strategy launched in April 2025, aiming to provide in-demand AI skills training for 1 million Nigerians and equip 70% of its young workforce with AI-related skills. On the international stage, Nigeria is actively shaping continental policy. The country is a key participant in the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and recently hosted the West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF). At these forums, Nigeria champions the need for localised AI solutions and data sovereignty, advocating for frameworks that reflect the region’s unique contexts. This positions Nigeria not just as a participant but as a thought leader, setting the agenda for AI governance across West Africa.