profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

Africas AI Readiness: A Comparative Analysis Of 10 Countries

Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to drive economic growth, social development, and innovation in Africa, yet the continent faces significant challenges in AI readiness, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory gaps, and skills shortages. This article evaluates the current state of AI readiness and opportunities in 10 African countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Mauritius—selected for their perceived leadership or potential in AI adoption. Drawing on recent assessments, national policies, and regional initiatives, the analysis identifies strengths, challenges, and strategic pathways for leveraging AI to address Africa’s unique socio-economic context. The findings suggest that while these countries vary in readiness, investments in infrastructure, governance, and human capital are critical to unlocking AI’s transformative potential. The global AI revolution is reshaping economies and societies, and Africa stands at a pivotal moment to harness this technology for sustainable development. Despite being often portrayed as lagging, Africa’s youthful population, expanding digital infrastructure, and pressing development needs, such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, present unique opportunities for AI. However, challenges like unreliable power, limited data protection frameworks, and low digital literacy hinder progress. This article focuses on 10 African countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Mauritius—due to their frequent recognition in global and regional indices for government strategies, technological ecosystems, or innovation potential. These nations are assessed for their AI readiness, opportunities, and leadership assumptions, offering insights into broader continental trends. The analysis is based on a qualitative synthesis of recent reports, indices, and case studies on AI readiness and adoption in Africa, supplemented by insights from national policies, regional frameworks, and stakeholder perspectives. The 10 countries were selected based on their prominence in indices like the Government AI Readiness Index, their active engagement in AI-related policies, and their representation of diverse regional and economic contexts across North, West, East, and Southern Africa. The approach compares readiness factors (government commitment, technology sector strength, and data infrastructure) and explores specific opportunities, critically assessing the establishment narrative that often overemphasises deficits rather than potential. Mauritius: Consistently ranked as Africa’s most AI-ready nation, Mauritius benefits from a clear national AI strategy, strong digital infrastructure, and high internet connectivity. Its small size and focus on becoming a “smart island” have driven investments in AI for sectors like finance and tourism. However, challenges include weak data protection regimes and limited resources for scaling AI governance. South Africa: A regional tech leader, South Africa excels in data infrastructure and technology sector development, supported by research institutions and private sector innovation. Its strengths are offset by governance and policy readiness gaps, with only a small percentage of organisations classified as leaders in AI governance. Recent initiatives, such as the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, show progress, but implementation remains slow. Egypt: Egypt’s AI readiness is bolstered by its National Council for AI and a national strategy launched in 2021, emphasising digital transformation and regional leadership. Investments in AI for government services and development goals are promising, but infrastructure scalability and oversight frameworks are areas of concern. Nigeria: As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria demonstrates potential in AI adoption, particularly in fintech, agriculture, and healthcare, supported by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. However, infrastructure deficits, regulatory uncertainty, and low digital skills limit widespread implementation. Morocco: Morocco’s AI readiness is driven by government investments in digital infrastructure, such as fibre optics and 4G networks, fostering startups and small businesses. Its focus on digital transformation and ethical AI development is notable, but workforce training and ethical frameworks need enhancement. Algeria: Algeria shows early progress in improving internet connectivity and government efforts to enhance digital infrastructure. However, its AI readiness lags due to limited technological ecosystems, governance challenges, and a lack of comprehensive AI strategies, making it less advanced than other North African peers. Angola: Angola, despite its oil wealth, ranks among Africa’s least AI-ready countries, with significant infrastructure and governance deficits. Efforts to improve digital connectivity exist, but AI adoption remains nascent, with few strategic initiatives in place. Ghana: Ghana is making strides in AI, particularly in public service delivery and health, with collaborations like Google’s AI research lab in Accra. Its focus on ethical AI and youth skills development is promising, but infrastructure and regulatory frameworks require strengthening. Côte d’Ivoire: Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as a player in AI, with government efforts to implement international AI ethics recommendations and improve digital infrastructure. However, its readiness is hampered by limited technological capacity and governance resources. Kenya: Known as East Africa’s tech hub, Kenya leads in mobile technology and fintech, with AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Its vibrant startup scene and policies like the Digital Economy Blueprint are strengths, but data privacy and infrastructure gaps pose challenges. These are some of the opportunities for AI in these countries: Economic growth and job creation: AI can enhance productivity in key sectors like agriculture, finance, and healthcare, creating jobs and boosting GDP. Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa’s fintech ecosystems, for example, could expand with AI-driven solutions, while Egypt and Morocco could attract foreign investment through AI innovation. Social development: AI tools, such as flood prediction systems and agricultural apps, address critical challenges like climate change and food security. Examples include AI-powered flood warnings in South Africa and crop pest management apps for smallholder farmers across the continent. Regional leadership and collaboration: Countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya are well-positioned to lead regional AI initiatives, supported by frameworks like the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy. Mauritius and Ghana can serve as models for smaller nations prioritising AI. Youth empowerment: Africa’s young population offers a workforce ripe for AI education and skills development. Initiatives in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana to train AI developers and integrate coding into curricula could position these countries as innovation hubs. The varying levels of AI readiness among the 10 countries reflect broader continental challenges, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory gaps, and digital divides. Mauritius and South Africa lead in readiness indices, but their progress is tempered by governance and ethical concerns. Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria demonstrate strong government commitment and innovative ecosystems, yet scaling requires addressing infrastructure and data privacy issues. Morocco, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire show potential but face resource constraints, while Algeria and Angola lag due to structural and governance weaknesses. Critically, global assessments often portray Africa as “lagging”, which may underestimate grassroots innovations, such as Kenya’s Silicon Savannah and Nigeria’s AI startups. The establishment narrative tends to focus on deficits rather than on the continent’s ability to leapfrog technologies or leverage mobile penetration for the adoption of AI. However, risks like job displacement, data misuse, and ethical breaches—evident in election interference cases in Nigeria and Kenya—require urgent attention. Opportunities are significant if these countries invest in digital infrastructure, foster public-private partnerships, and prioritise ethical AI frameworks. International collaboration, as seen in UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations and the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, endorsed in 2024, could amplify impact. Addressing gender disparities and ensuring inclusive AI development will also be crucial to mitigate inequality and maximise benefits. Africa’s AI readiness is evolving, with Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Mauritius at varying stages of progress. While challenges persist, the opportunities for economic growth, social development, and regional leadership are substantial. To harness AI’s potential, these countries must strengthen infrastructure, enhance governance, and build human capital. Future research should explore grassroots AI applications, cross-border collaboration, and the socio-economic impacts of AI adoption to provide a more nuanced understanding of Africa’s digital future.

profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

Period Poverty: A Global Challenge Demanding Urgent Action

As we recently celebrated International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality, we are reminded that true equality goes beyond recognition and extends to addressing the most basic needs. One of these critical issues is period poverty—a silent epidemic affecting millions of girls and women around the world. In every corner of the globe, from bustling cities to rural villages, menstruation is an undeniable fact of life. But for far too many, it is a barrier that holds them back from reaching their full potential. The inability to access menstrual products and proper sanitation is more than just an inconvenience—it is a deeply ingrained injustice that impacts education, health, and dignity. It is time for society to wake up to the devastating consequences of period poverty and demand action. Consider this: 500 million girls and women worldwide are unable to access basic menstrual products. Imagine the enormity of this issue—half a billion people deprived of something so fundamental. For girls in low-income countries, this means missing school for several days each month, falling behind, and ultimately dropping out. In places like Sub-Saharan Africa, girls miss up to 20 per cent of their school year due to menstruation, directly leading to lost opportunities and perpetuated cycles of poverty (UNESCO, 2014). In India, 23 million girls drop out of school each year when they begin menstruating, simply because their families cannot afford menstrual products. But the consequences of period poverty go far beyond missing school. Health risks are significant for girls and women who do not have access to sanitary products. Many resort to using unclean cloths as substitutes for sanitary products, which can lead to infections, rashes, and more severe reproductive health issues like urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome. The lack of access to proper sanitation also increases the likelihood of menstrual-related health complications that can cause long-term damage (Tull, 2019). Inadequate menstrual hygiene can even affect a woman’s ability to work or care for her family, leading to a broader societal impact. Period poverty also disproportionately affects women with disabilities, who face additional barriers when it comes to managing their menstrual health. A lack of accessibility to menstrual products, combined with mobility or communication challenges, makes it even harder for these girls and women to manage their periods hygienically, further stigmatising them and exacerbating inequality. The stigma surrounding menstruation, coupled with the economic burden of menstruation products, results in a hidden crisis that impacts dignity. Too many girls and women suffer in silence, unable to manage their menstruation with dignity, which can have psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame. These consequences are not just isolated to a small group; they affect the very fabric of society, limiting women’s ability to live healthy and productive lives. While some might argue that period poverty is a secondary concern compared to other global issues like poverty, healthcare, or education, the truth is that period poverty intersects with these broader challenges. If a girl cannot attend school because she cannot afford menstrual products, her chances of breaking out of poverty diminish. If women are unable to work or go to school due to menstrual health issues, they are less likely to contribute to the economy and society. This issue is tied to education, health, and gender equality, which are all critical pillars of a functioning and fair society. Others may argue that the cost of providing menstrual products is too high, but the reality is that the cost of inaction is even greater. Without addressing period poverty, we continue to see the health complications, economic losses, and gender inequality that arise from the lack of access to proper menstrual products. The price of providing these products is far less than the ongoing costs of lost education, productivity, and societal well-being. Now is the time for global action. We must create and expand policies that eliminate the financial burden of menstruation on girls and women. First, we need to push for zero taxation on menstrual products and advocate for free access in schools and public spaces. We must also invest in the distribution of sustainable menstrual products and education on menstrual hygiene to ensure that no girl or woman is left behind due to a lack of access. Furthermore, we must prioritise the needs of disabled girls who often face unique challenges when it comes to menstrual hygiene. Together, we can provide the tools and resources necessary to ensure that menstruation no longer stands in the way of girls’ education or dignity. This is not just a call for the elimination of period poverty; this is a call to restore dignity. When girls have access to what they need to manage their menstruation, they can stay in school, pursue their dreams, and contribute to their communities. When women have the resources to manage their menstrual health, they can participate fully in society and the economy. As we reflect on the progress we have made in fighting for gender equality, let us not forget that true equality begins with meeting the most basic needs. On this International Women’s Day and beyond, we must demand that the global community come together to tackle period poverty. We cannot afford to wait any longer. This is a crisis that affects not just the health and education of millions but the future of our world. It is time to act—and it is time to act now. •Tom Kehinde, a physician and alumnus of Johns Hopkins University, is the founder of Med36.5

profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

Uromi: Matching Injustice For Injustice

Years ago, I had an unforgettable experience of nearly witnessing a lynching at Iwo Road in Ibadan. It was a typical day, and while standing at a bus stop, a woman two paces away suddenly shouted that her purse had been snatched. She held the clothes of the man standing beside her. Before you knew it, the place had transformed. A crowd quickly gathered around, many of them young men who seemed to have magically sprouted from thin air. From ordinary guys going about their lives, they instantly transmuted into the judiciary and were ready to execute a self-designated mandate. They stripped the accused, kicked him, beat him, and demanded he return the purse. Perhaps the most amazing transformation for me was a man who had stood beside me at the bus stop. While I was still puzzled at the events unfolding around me, this guy had found a huge stone and was yelling at the crowd to clear a path for him—he was going to smash the skull of the accused! Fortunately, the accused man managed to escape while those who had arrested him were still deciding on how to lynch him. I do not know if he was guilty of stealing the purse or not, but I am thankful that he did not die that day. Every time I have told this story to friends, I have also wondered how and when that man transmuted from just another person at the bus stop to a potential killer. Was that even a real human man or a gnarled monster walking around at noonday like some mythological fables report? Imagine a man ready to commit murder, maybe just an hour after leaving his home in the morning. If he had managed to participate in killing that man, would he still have proceeded through the rest of his day like nothing had happened? Would he have gone back home to his family at night (if he had one) and continued life like he had not just killed a man? Since the news emerged about how a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State, lynched 16 hunters after tagging them kidnappers, I have returned to that incident to once again ask how men become the monsters who set up bonfires to burn their fellow humans. What (and when) is the moment of their transfiguration? It is when a situation like the Uromi incident occurs that we realise that there are many subhuman mongrels among us, some of them able to transfigure into monsters who can lynch a person in an instant. They lynched not one, not two, not three, not even four humans! One must wonder about the kind of people who would keep throwing one person after the other into the fire (while some equally depraved people thought it was worth recording the pain and agony of the victims on their camera for later distribution). If there was no moment at which any internally controlling ethical code restrained them, then it is also probably not the first time they have lynched people. Those vigilantes must have played at being the law for so long that they started imagining themselves to be truly one. This unfortunate incident is one of the many fallouts of the state recession in the public sphere. When you have a country where security can no longer be guaranteed by the state, all sorts of maniacs will step in to fill the void. This distressing incident has also thrown up the fault lines of ethnicity and religion between the northern and southern regions of the country. One only needs to read Nigerians from the two divided halves of the country as they bicker over the deaths to see how they are gauging their respective regional civilisation from the responses to the distressing event. It seems to me that northerners see the Uromi incident as an opportunity to take down the smug superiority of snobbish southerners who have typically imagined themselves to be socially superior. Now that the so-called civilised South has displayed a similar primitive behaviour that, if it had happened in the North, would have been filed as one more example of their cultural backwardness, they are practically celebrating their vindication along with mourning the demise of the victims. For the southern commenters, the incident is not only distressing but also embarrassing as they must justify themselves before people who never apologise for the lynching that happened in their territory. And they are right because the Uromi incident is similar to that of Deborah Samuel, the Christian student who was lynched in 2023 by some religious fundamentalists who admitted their crime on video. Unlike this ongoing case, where the southerners are condemning the lynching and calling for justice, I do not remember the northerners doing the same. Many northerners, including their prominent clerics, justified the killing of Samuel. A presidential candidate who dared to condemn the murder had to withdraw his statement when they threatened his presidential ambition! The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is running all over the place and promising the family of the victims compensation, something that is unlikely to happen if the situation were reversed. The court freed Samuel’s killers, and that woman did not get justice. Nobody in the government dared to touch them because of politics. In the wake of the Uromi incident, some of them are still doubling down on their justification for lynching that woman. If they cannot see her humanity, then on what moral grounds do they stand to demand justice for the Uromi victims? Yet, not wanting to be outdone, they bring up the case of Adamawa woman Harira Jubril, the pregnant woman who was killed along with her children in Anambra State by some unidentified gunmen. It is bad enough that she, too, never got justice; it is also horrible that her story is cheaply weaponised by those who merely want to score political points against a rival group. Still convinced they are the bigger victims, the southerners start to reel out the many cases of Fulani herdsmen attacks on villages, farmlands, and their communities. They list the deaths and the destruction caused by Fulani herdsmen who have been rampaging through communities in Nigeria, mostly unchecked. This self-justification by matching northern stories of injustice with southern stories of injustice eventually spirals into an endless loop of barbarism, bloodletting, and unleashed monstrosity. In trading stories of injustice for injustice, these people also catalogue the injustice the nation has committed against our collective humanity. Notwithstanding their motivations, their exchanges are an indictment of a nation that cheaply discounts our lives, and—by failing to pursue the outstanding debts owed to our murdered compatriots—serially indicates that we are simply not worth the trouble of the pursuit of justice. In fact, one can say the reason the Federal Government swooped into action in the case of Uromi is the fear of reprisals by irate northerners, and not because they deemed the lives of those 16 hunters worthy enough to merit justice. What is saddest about these fiery exchanges is that the compiled evidence is being misdirected and misused by people wanting to balance out tribal wrongs rather than indict the real culprit: Nigeria, a country that has failed to establish a standard of righteousness, of justice, of truth, of integrity, and the ascriptions of full value to our lives. Consequently, we have too many among us who have been driven over the edge, deeply traumatised by the harassments of our Nigerian lives, but have not yet found the mouth with which to tell the story. They think they are normal because they can still type coherent sentences on social media, but the truth is that they are bleeding internally from the wounds of our national existence.