Building Trust in Africa's AI Ecosystem for Growth

The dialogue regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa has evolved from whether the continent will adopt AI to how it can responsibly and confidently utilize it at scale. Trust is central to this transition, as organizations must benefit from AI without losing control over their data and intellectual property.

According to Microsoft's Global AI Diffusion Report for Q1 2026, generative AI usage is 27.5% in the global north compared to 15.4% in the global south, highlighting a widening gap. The African Development Bank estimates that inclusive AI development could contribute up to $1 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2035.

Achieving this potential requires the establishment of trustworthy AI ecosystems, which necessitates progress in three areas: meaningful choice and openness, partnerships for local capability development, and responsible deployment. The African Union’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy outlines a vision for AI that emphasizes the need for diverse technological choices and safeguards to ensure innovation and data control.