Africa’s Race to Embrace AI: Experts Weigh In
At the Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2025, industry leaders gathered to contemplate Africa’s readiness to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Joyce Nabende Nakatumba, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Makerere University, emphasized the continent’s urgent need to evaluate its technological, legal, and regulatory preparedness for AI.
Moderated by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize from Uganda’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat, the panel addressed the dual issues of opportunity and risk posed by AI technologies. Dr. Nabende posed foundational questions: ‘Are we ready technologically in Africa? Are we ready legally? Is our regulatory environment prepared for the uptake of AI, given how fast it’s growing?’
With the younger generation already utilizing AI tools, she called for established frameworks to support their technological innovation.
“We live on a continent with Gen Zs actively using AI. As the older generation, we must catch up and pave the way institutionally,” said Dr. Nabende.
Dr. Scott Timcke, a Senior Researcher, echoed concerns regarding misinformation’s rise with evolving AI technologies. He pointed out the ‘detection gap’ that leaves societies ill-equipped to manage the complexities of AI, urging for a more technically literate public.
In highlighting the positive impacts of AI, Abimbola Ogundairo from Africa No Filter discussed initiatives that leverage AI for cultural empowerment and stereotype detection. However, she warned of a troubling trend among people avoiding news entirely due to its negative nature.
Balancing Fear with Understanding
David Gonahasa from Uganda’s Ministry of Science contextualized current fears surrounding AI against traditional African folklore, advocating for informed regulatory frameworks rather than reactionary ones.
“We must drive AI regulation using accurate, local information, not imported benchmarks that may be disruptive,” urged Gonahasa.
The discussions underscored a collective demand for Africa to rapidly prepare its institutions for the demands and opportunities presented by AI to avoid misinformation and to sustain democratic processes. The high-level panel represents a necessary dialogue as Africa navigates the global technological landscape.
