Nairobi: Africa is on the brink of a technological revolution, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to transform various sectors. To bridge the gap between AI’s abstract perception and its practical applications, Aga Khan University’s Data Innovation Office hosted Africa AI Week 2025 from June 23 to July 1. The event aimed to make AI accessible and understandable for all, from classrooms and clinics to farms and marketplaces.
A significant highlight was the “AI for All” event held on June 24 at AKU’s Nairobi campus. In partnership with Qhala, a digital transformation firm, the event provided a practical introduction to AI for non-technical professionals. Participants explored real-world applications across health, education, research, and business, utilizing an interactive tool to map their personal AI learning journeys. A panel discussion showcased how AI is already enhancing diagnostics, teaching, business operations, and public services in Africa.
Africa AI Week emphasized the critical need for AI literacy as a foundational skill for the continent’s digital future. A newly launched AI Talent Readiness Index for Africa, developed by Qhala and Qubit Hub, indicates that most African countries lack basic AI education and infrastructure. The week featured grassroots workshops, bootcamps, and community radio broadcasts, specifically targeting marginalized groups such as women, refugees, and youth to bridge the existing gap.
With more than 60% of Africa’s population under 25 years old, building AI capacity is urgent. The Index estimates the continent must train one million AI practitioners and 5,000 PhD-level researchers to remain globally competitive. Africa AI Week advocates for early exposure, starting in youth clubs, schools, and communities rather than universities.
This movement represents a shift from passive consumption to active co-creation. Through inclusive, locally grounded programs and strategic partnerships like those between AKU and Qhala, Africa is shaping its own AI trajectory. The continent’s future is intertwined with widespread, culturally relevant AI literacy, from a young girl in rural Kenya learning to code for her community to a farmer using machine learning to enhance harvests.
Dr. Fred Mutisya, Health Tech Lead at Qhala, noted, “We’re in the middle of an AI hype cycle—everyone’s developing an app or solution. But like all technology waves, this one will face a reckoning. The key is understanding where we are in the cycle. As early adopters, we must resist the temptation to abandon AI when some tools underdeliver. Instead, we need to push through the chasm, because that’s where real transformation begins. Soon, AI literacy will be as essential on your CV as Word or Excel; skills like GPT or LLaMA will define the next generation of professional competence.”
Africa AI Week 2025 signals a bold commitment: AI is not just for experts; it’s for everyone. By democratizing access and fostering local innovation, Africa is claiming its place as an author, not just a user of the AI age.