There are encouraging signs of AI innovation and development across Africa, from community run AI classes over weekends, AI training bootcamps for students and young researchers to the establishment of private sector and government driven innovation hubs across the continent. Even as there is an enormous potential for AI development, there are also legacy challenges in terms of infrastructure availability as well as human and institutional capacity gaps to develop and govern AI to optimise benefits and minimise harms.
Building upon the recommendations of UNESCO report Steering AI and Advanced ICTs for Knowledge Societies, the findings of this survey aim to bridge the information gap concerning the strategic priorities, policy measures, developmental challenges, human and institutional capacity needs, and legal frameworks concerning AI in African countries.