African Development Bank Unveils Strategic Roadmap to Unlock AI's Economic and Social Potential
The African Development Bank has published a report outlining a strategic roadmap to unlock the economic and social potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa, titled "Africa's AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth, and Inclusive Transformation".
Key Findings
The report reveals that an inclusive deployment of AI could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP by 2035, equivalent to nearly a third of the continent's current economic output. This potential is based on Africa's growing digital capabilities, favorable demographics, and ongoing sectoral reforms.
Sectoral Opportunities
However, these gains are not evenly distributed across the continental economy. Five sectors combine significant economic size, high AI adoption capacity, and high potential for inclusive development:
- Agriculture (20%)
- Wholesale and retail trade (14%)
- Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (9%)
- Finance and inclusion (8%)
- Health and life sciences (7%) Together, these activities account for 58% of total AI gains.
Conditions for Success
Five factors are crucial to realizing this potential:
- Reliable data
- Adequate digital infrastructure
- Skilled workforce
- Trust fostered by governance and regulatory frameworks
- Sufficient capital
Country Classification
The report categorizes Tunisia among the group of medium-sized countries with emerging AI ecosystems, alongside Morocco and Ghana. This presents a real opportunity for Tunisia to capitalize on its advantages and establish itself in a world where instability is the norm.
