African countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are leading the continent’s AI adoption, while others lag due to weak digital public infrastructure (DPI) and a lack of clear policies, according to The State of AI in Africa 2025 report.

Published by the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) at Strathmore University Law School in Kenya, the 70-page report outlines key steps to accelerate AI across Africa.

Recommendations include developing sovereign and inclusive data systems, expanding AI literacy, aligning national AI strategies with African Union and global standards, and promoting ethical, transparent, and accountable AI use. The report also stresses the importance of context-sensitive AI that reflects African values and local knowledge systems.

Although AI investment is rising across the continent, just four countries account for 83% of AI startup funding. The report cites growth in grassroots innovation and AI use in healthcare, agriculture, finance, legal services, and education, with examples including Jumo (South Africa), Mipango (Tanzania), and Botter (Nigeria).

It also warns against unregulated biometric surveillance, urges privacy-by-design principles, and calls for interoperable, sovereign digital ID systems that respect rights and foster digital government.

CIPIT argues Africa is no longer on the margins of AI development but is actively shaping its governance and application. The continent’s AI future, the report says, will depend on embedding equity, local relevance, and sustainability into its digital agenda.

This is the second edition of the report, following the inaugural 2023 publication. Experts, including the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, continue to advocate for AI as a catalyst for African economic transformation.