Global AI Summit in Kigali; Tanzanian artists choose AI over not AI
Africa AI News weekly digest...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
A pretty quiet news week; the biggest story is the regional AI summit in Kigali happening as we speak, with political, business and philanthropic leaders gathering to share and chart a way forward for AI on the continent.
With Eid being celebrated in many countries on our continent, it is unsurprising things are a little quiet.
What we did notice in the last couple of weeks is an increasing blow-back on AI and especially on its more hyperbolic cheerleaders, with everyone from Steve Case (AOL, back in the day) to George Zoeller (cussed, now) launching broadsides. In this issue we feature the views of a sociologist looking at observed outcomes in South Africa. Is this just a course correction for this new technology and its adoption, or a major re-evaluation of its place? Let us know what you think.
And now, on with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Conferences
Global AI Summit explores Africa’s future
#Rwanda #summit — The Global AI Summt on Africa, with over 1,000 attendees including tech giants and government leaders, has begun in Kigali, focusing on AI’s role in reshaping Africa’s workforce and economy. Day one is complete, today is the final day. No news had been published as at press time (about five minutes ago if you opened this first when you got to your email), although Xinhau News Agency quick off the mark with a roundup. (The New Times)
Funding
InfiniLink raises $10m to advance AI data centre connectivity
#Egypt #semiconductors — Cairo-based semiconductor startup InfiniLink has secured $10 million in seed funding from MediaTek, Sukna Ventures, and Egypt Ventures. The investment will drive the development of integrated optical engines for AI-driven data centres, enhancing bandwidth and energy efficiency in next-generation computing infrastructure. (PRWeb)
Applications
Tanzanian art industry chooses “join ’em” option
#Tanzania #arts — Tanzania’s creative industry is set for a revolution with AI integration, as it decides the beat ’em option is not feasible. Following a meeting between the National Arts Council (BASATA) and the African Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (ARIFA), artists are being encouraged to adopt AI to improve efficiency in composition and production. (The Citizen)
AI to reshape Africa’s healthcare sector
#Africa #health — Africa is poised to lead global health innovation through AI and data science, according to a new report by the SFA Foundation. It outlines key trends and highlights the need for inclusive AI policies, gender equity, and adaptive governance to drive healthcare progress across the continent. (IT-Online)
Labs & CoEs
Algeria, China launch joint AI laboratory
#Algeria #AIlabs — The National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA) in Algeria and Tsinghua University's AI Research Institute (AIR) in China have signed an MoU to establish the China-Algeria Joint Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration follows an earlier MoU on a joint technology transfer centre. (ENSIA)
Morocco plans second international AI centre
#Morocco #AIresearch — Morocco is collaborating with the UNDP to establish a second international AI centre. The new hub will complement the existing AI centre at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, which operates in partnership with UNESCO. (Hespress)
Policy
South Africa’s AI Reality Check: Exploitation and Inequality
#SouthAfrica #FinTech — In a brutal condemnation of the failure of AI to empower poorer South Africans, sociology researcher Thabo Motshweni examines outcomes in the financial sector, where algorithmic lending is deepening racial biases and trapping vulnerable groups in cycles of debt. He says automation is threatening tens or hundreds of thousands of jobs. (Mail & Guardian)
Zambia reaffirms commitment to AI ethics and science collaboration
#Zambia #ethics #science — At the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Dialogue, Zambia’s delegation stressed the importance of international research partnerships and harmonised policies to address global challenges. UNESCO asserted it will support Zambia’s AI readiness assessment and global best practices. (Efficacy News)
Events
Ethiopia to host Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025 in May
#Ethiopia #events — The Ethiopian Tech Expo 2025 will take place from 16-18 May 2025 in Addis Ababa, showcasing advancements in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and smart city technologies. Organised by the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII), and co-hosted by the Cyber Security Council. (Call for papers) (MSN)
Pupils shine at I-FEST² in Tunisia
#SouthAfrica #science — Amongst the various winners, wwo grade 12 students from St Dominic's Newcastle School, Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas, received accolades at the I-FEST² in Tunisia. Ismail earned a bronze in Environmental Science for his eco-friendly brick project, while Ramdas was honoured in Computer Science for his AI-based road maintenance solution. We assume there were other winners and awards, but the Website is not updated, so reach out if you have details. (Daily Sun)
[ This newsletter was human prepared and AI dusted ]