By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
More than 300 artificial
intelligence businesses across 38 African countries are developing and
deploying locally relevant AI solutions in areas including agriculture,
healthcare, finance and public services, according to GIZ African Union.
The findings come from the
AI Made in Africa project, which has mapped more than 300 AI businesses across
the continent and highlighted the growing role of African companies,
researchers and public institutions in developing solutions to local
challenges.
Speaking at the BIG BANG AI
Festival 2026, GIZ African Union Director Tobias Thiel said the focus of
Africa’s AI conversation should extend beyond the use of technologies developed
elsewhere to include the continent’s own growing AI capabilities.
Thiel said African
businesses, researchers and public institutions are already building and
deploying AI solutions and that an important question is whether Africa will
participate as an equal partner and help generate value from these innovations.
As part of efforts to
support the ecosystem, some of the African AI startups identified through the
project engaged with investors, businesses and technology leaders from Europe
and other regions to explore opportunities for scaling their businesses.
The discussions focused on
how promising African AI innovations can be translated into investment and
expanded into sustainable businesses.
GIZ said connecting African
AI businesses with investors is intended to contribute to lasting Africa-Europe
business partnerships and create further opportunities for the continent’s
emerging AI ecosystem.
Beyond investment, the
organisation said Africa’s AI opportunity also depends on access to
African-relevant data, sustainable digital infrastructure, skilled
professionals and strong local businesses capable of developing and deploying
AI solutions.
GIZ African Union expressed
appreciation to the entrepreneurs, speakers and partners involved in the
initiative, describing the engagement as an early step in strengthening
connections between Africa’s AI ecosystem and international investors and
technology partners.
