How foreign governments and Big Tech are racing to shape Africa’s AI future
- Japan proposed designating several domestic cities as 'official hometowns' for Africans from Ghana, Nigeria, and Mozambique during TICAD.
- Tokyo pledged to train 30,000 African AI experts over the next three years to address talent shortages in Africa.
- Canada's IDRC supports over half of its $282 million budget on AI-focused projects in Africa, with 82 active projects across several countries.
While the investments from foreign governments and corporations are promising for Africa's AI landscape, there is a pressing need for local governments to take initiative and invest in domestic capabilities. Without this, Africa risks losing control over its AI development and infrastructure, which could lead to a dependency on foreign entities.
