24 June 2025 | 12:00 CAT
2-minute read

While the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating across the globe, African countries are still finding their feet. Speaking to Radio Islam International on this week’s Africa Report, Dr Wayne Malinga, Policy and Research Manager at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe, provided a candid assessment of the continent’s progress and challenges in embracing AI for inclusive economic growth.

“Some African countries have not fully embraced and adopted AI,” Dr Malinga explained, adding that despite this, “there are other several countries that are making notable strides.”

He highlighted South Africa’s leadership in AI research and policy, with applications in agriculture, health, and financial services. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt are also leveraging AI for various development initiatives ranging from drone deliveries to smart infrastructure.

However, significant barriers remain. Dr Malinga pointed out that limited internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, funding constraints, and a persistent skills gap are slowing AI’s potential to transform African economies.

“We still have limited internet connectivity and also even access to electricity is still a hindering factor to a number of countries,” he noted.

Turning to Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a decade after their adoption, Dr Malinga said the results are mixed. There have been notable improvements in poverty reduction, child mortality, and gender representation in politics. “When we look at poverty, the rate has actually declined from 40 percent in 2015 to 35 percent by 2023,” he said, referencing World Bank data.

But serious challenges persist. Hunger, unemployment, climate change, and governance issues continue to weigh heavily on the continent. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent withdrawal of HIV and AIDS funding by the United States have also disrupted critical health programmes.

“That has actually affected programmes around HIV testing, HIV treatment, and also even the distribution of treatments, particularly ARVs,” Dr Malinga cautioned.

Dr Malinga further contextualised Africa’s position within shifting global geopolitical dynamics. With the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, growing Russian influence, and rising investments from Turkey and Gulf countries, Africa’s strategic importance is on the rise.

Yet, Dr Malinga warned, “If Africa is divided, it risks being a backyard for neocolonial exploitation.”

He stressed that unity and strong institutions will be essential if Africa is to become a true third pole in a multipolar world, capable of shaping its own destiny rather than being shaped by external forces.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

24 June 2025 | 12:00 CAT
2-minute read

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While the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating across the globe, African countries are still finding their feet. Speaking to Radio Islam International on this week’s Africa Report, Dr Wayne Malinga, Policy and Research Manager at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe, provided a candid assessment of the continent’s progress and challenges in embracing AI for inclusive economic growth.

“Some African countries have not fully embraced and adopted AI,” Dr Malinga explained, adding that despite this, “there are other several countries that are making notable strides.”

He highlighted South Africa’s leadership in AI research and policy, with applications in agriculture, health, and financial services. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt are also leveraging AI for various development initiatives ranging from drone deliveries to smart infrastructure.

However, significant barriers remain. Dr Malinga pointed out that limited internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, funding constraints, and a persistent skills gap are slowing AI’s potential to transform African economies.

“We still have limited internet connectivity and also even access to electricity is still a hindering factor to a number of countries,” he noted.

Turning to Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a decade after their adoption, Dr Malinga said the results are mixed. There have been notable improvements in poverty reduction, child mortality, and gender representation in politics. “When we look at poverty, the rate has actually declined from 40 percent in 2015 to 35 percent by 2023,” he said, referencing World Bank data.

But serious challenges persist. Hunger, unemployment, climate change, and governance issues continue to weigh heavily on the continent. The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent withdrawal of HIV and AIDS funding by the United States have also disrupted critical health programmes.

“That has actually affected programmes around HIV testing, HIV treatment, and also even the distribution of treatments, particularly ARVs,” Dr Malinga cautioned.

Dr Malinga further contextualised Africa’s position within shifting global geopolitical dynamics. With the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, growing Russian influence, and rising investments from Turkey and Gulf countries, Africa’s strategic importance is on the rise.

Yet, Dr Malinga warned, “If Africa is divided, it risks being a backyard for neocolonial exploitation.”

He stressed that unity and strong institutions will be essential if Africa is to become a true third pole in a multipolar world, capable of shaping its own destiny rather than being shaped by external forces.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.