In Summary

• North Africa’s high rankings are linked to early investment in e-government, national AI strategies, and collaborations with EU tech partners, giving them a regulatory head start.
• Island nations like Mauritius and Seychelles show that digital readiness is less about size and more about digital-first economies backed by strong cybersecurity and data frameworks.
• Sub-Saharan leaders such as Rwanda and Kenya are tying AI readiness directly to development agendas, leveraging AI for agriculture forecasting, health diagnostics, and digital ID systems.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, September 19 - Artificial intelligence is increasingly a benchmark for how African governments plan, regulate, and innovate. Preparedness reflects more than the acquisition of digital tools and rests on the ability to build reliable data systems, enforce legislation, develop skilled talent, and align technology with national priorities. In this sense, AI readiness is a measure of institutional strength as much as technological advancement.

The Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index evaluates these factors by assessing governance, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. A strong score signals that a state has not only articulated digital ambitions but also established the mechanisms to sustain them. Such readiness highlights the shift from aspiration to structured implementation.

In Africa, this progress is tied to practical needs. Governments are turning to AI to forecast climate risks in agriculture, expand access to education through digital platforms, improve healthcare diagnostics, and streamline public administration. The rankings, therefore, reveal the countries that are strategically positioning themselves to channel emerging technologies into long-term development and resilience.

10. Ghana 

With a score of 43.30, Ghana sits among Africa’s ten most AI-ready nations according to the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index. Its progress is grounded in deliberate governance choices, including a ten-year national AI strategy led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. That plan links artificial intelligence to practical outcomes such as public service efficiency, research capacity, and responsible oversight. At the legislative level, the Data Protection Act (Act 843) and the active role of the Data Protection Commission provide safeguards that reinforce trust in AI-driven systems.

The country’s digital transformation has been strengthened by initiatives that expand both infrastructure and talent. The Ghana Card project, which has enrolled millions of citizens, is creating unified datasets that can support more accurate and scalable AI applications in areas like healthcare and administration. Alongside this, a growing innovation ecosystem including MEST, Impact Hub, and research programs at major universities is producing engineers and entrepreneurs who are experimenting with AI for local needs. These developments are tied together by Ghana’s broader digital economy strategy, which integrates regulation, workforce training, and digitization into a single policy framework.

Recent activity shows that Ghana is moving beyond planning into practical implementation. Government programs are being launched to put the AI strategy into action, while private incubators are supporting startups applying machine learning in agriculture, financial services, and health diagnostics. Civil society is also taking part, with AI-driven fact-checking and election monitoring projects gaining visibility. Together, these efforts illustrate a country building the institutional backbone and local expertise needed to translate readiness into long-term, scalable impact.

9. Nigeria

Nigeria holds a score of 43.33 on the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index. Its ranking reflects the scale of its digital ecosystem and the gradual institutionalization of AI within national policy frameworks. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has drafted an artificial intelligence policy to guide innovation, data use, and ethical oversight. This complements Nigeria’s Data Protection Act of 2023, which established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission as a regulatory body to enforce standards in data governance, an essential foundation for the adoption of AI in public and private services.

The country’s readiness is underpinned by its digital landscape. Nigeria has one of the largest technology sectors in Africa, supported by hubs such as Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), which has launched AI-focused research programs in health and education. Universities and research institutes are increasingly incorporating AI into curricula, while talent export pipelines are connecting Nigerian engineers to global markets. With over 120 million internet users, the potential for large-scale datasets is significant, though still challenged by uneven connectivity and the urban–rural divide. What gives Nigeria a comparative edge is the combination of human capital depth and a thriving startup ecosystem that actively experiments with AI solutions.

Momentum is visible in both state-led reforms and private initiatives. The Federal Government’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) has been tasked with supporting research, innovation, and capacity building. At the same time, startups are deploying AI in areas such as fintech fraud detection, agricultural yield forecasting, and language processing for Nigeria’s diverse linguistic communities. The interplay between government policy, a dynamic private sector, and an expanding research base suggests that Nigeria’s AI readiness is not just theoretical but is also moving toward structured implementation with the potential to influence both domestic development and regional innovation leadership.

8. Kenya

Kenya records a score of 43.56 on the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index. This position builds on its established reputation as one of the continent’s most dynamic digital economies. The government has anchored AI policy within its broader digital transformation agenda, guided by the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. Regulatory measures such as the Data Protection Act of 2019, enforced by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, provide a framework for the responsible use of data, which is central to AI adoption. These institutional steps have helped secure Kenya’s place among the top performers on the index.

Underlying this readiness is a combination of infrastructure and innovation ecosystems. Kenya’s mobile-first economy, epitomized by the success of M-Pesa, has created an environment where digital solutions are rapidly adopted and scaled. This culture of innovation extends into AI through research hubs, incubators, and academic programs that train engineers to apply machine learning in finance, health, and agriculture. High levels of mobile penetration, expanding broadband access, and government investment in digital infrastructure are all contributing factors to the country’s readiness score. The integration of AI into key development sectors reflects Kenya’s ability to align emerging technology with national needs.

Progress is further reinforced by strategic initiatives and partnerships. The government has invested in innovation hubs such as Konza Technopolis, envisioned as a smart city and technology cluster, where AI research and startup activity are being encouraged. Collaboration with international organizations and private-sector actors has brought additional funding and expertise into AI-related projects, ranging from crop disease detection to automated health diagnostics. With a strong policy base, active innovation culture, and growing technical expertise, Kenya is steadily converting readiness into tangible applications that position it as a regional leader in digital transformation.

7. Tunisia 

Tunisia ranks seventh in Africa with a score of 43.68 on the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index. Its placement reflects deliberate efforts to embed artificial intelligence within broader digital policy frameworks. The government launched a National AI Strategy in 2021, with the Ministry of Communication Technologies working alongside academic and private-sector partners to position AI as a driver of governance efficiency and economic growth. The strategy outlines priorities such as ethical standards, education, and research, supported by Tunisia’s long-standing tradition of technical universities and engineering schools.

The country’s readiness is closely tied to its investment in human capital and institutional capacity. Tunisia has one of the most established higher education systems in North Africa, producing thousands of ICT and engineering graduates each year. These institutions serve as the backbone of AI research and development, complemented by tech clusters in Tunis and Sfax that bring together startups, researchers, and investors. Stronger data infrastructure and regulatory foundations, including progress on data protection and cybersecurity legislation, have also contributed to the country’s performance in the index.

Ongoing initiatives show how Tunisia is translating its strategy into action. Partnerships with international organizations have introduced capacity-building programmes in machine learning, while government-backed incubators support startups applying AI in agriculture, healthcare, and financial technology. Pilot projects in e-government services are also underway, aimed at streamlining administration and expanding citizen access to digital tools. With its combination of policy commitment, technical expertise, and a maturing innovation ecosystem, Tunisia is steadily building the conditions required to turn AI readiness into measurable national impact.

6. Seychelles 

Seychelles scored 44.13. Its placement illustrates how size does not limit ambition in digital transformation. The government has prioritized artificial intelligence within its broader national ICT strategy, linking AI adoption to goals in governance, tourism, environmental management, and financial services. This approach underscores Seychelles’ recognition that a robust digital framework is critical for sustaining its economy, which depends heavily on international competitiveness and resilience.

A key strength behind Seychelles’ score lies in its policy coherence and governance capacity. The Department of Information Communications Technology has been central to implementing regulations on data management, cybersecurity, and digital identity systems. These institutional measures are essential for creating trust in AI-driven services, especially in a small economy where efficiency and security are highly sensitive to disruption. Alongside governance, Seychelles has leveraged its global connections, forming collaborations with international organizations and private partners to accelerate capacity-building and knowledge transfer in advanced digital skills.

On the ground, Seychelles is already piloting AI-driven solutions aligned with its development priorities. Environmental monitoring projects use AI-powered satellite data to track marine biodiversity and climate change impacts, an effort critical to the nation’s survival. In tourism, the backbone of its economy, AI tools are being integrated into service delivery and marketing platforms to enhance visitor experiences and optimize resource use. Meanwhile, in public services, initiatives in digital health and smart administration show how the government is positioning AI to improve efficiency and reach. By combining institutional readiness with targeted application, Seychelles is establishing itself as a model for how small states can lead in AI adoption across Africa.

5. Rwanda

Rwanda ranks fifth in Africa with a score of 51.25, reflecting a national strategy that treats artificial intelligence as a central driver of economic transformation. The government has consistently pursued policies to position Kigali as a regional technology hub, embedding AI within its broader “Smart Rwanda” and Vision 2050 agendas. This ranking reflects not just statistics but also highlights Rwanda’s deliberate effort to integrate AI into governance, education, and service delivery as part of its long-term growth model.

Institutional readiness has been a defining feature of Rwanda’s progress. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, together with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority, has developed frameworks on data governance, cybersecurity, and digital finance that directly support AI ecosystems. The country has also partnered with global leaders, including Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to strengthen advanced digital skills and research. These partnerships ensure that AI adoption is not superficial but embedded in a knowledge-driven economy capable of sustaining innovation.

On a practical level, Rwanda has demonstrated how AI can directly serve national priorities. In healthcare, AI-driven systems have been deployed for diagnostics, drone-assisted delivery of medical supplies, and predictive health analytics to address rural access gaps. In agriculture, machine learning models support crop disease detection and yield optimization, which is vital to food security. AI has also been introduced into smart city projects in Kigali, where traffic management and digital service platforms aim to make urban living more efficient. 

4. Senegal

Senegal ranks fourth in Africa with a score of 46.11, showing how its digital economy strategy has elevated AI from a niche discussion into a core policy priority. The country has embedded artificial intelligence within the Plan Sénégal Émergent, which identifies digital innovation as a lever for industrialization and sustainable growth. This commitment has placed Dakar at the heart of West Africa’s digital transition, with AI readiness serving as both a governance tool and an economic opportunity.

Institutional reforms have been central to Senegal’s progress. The government has advanced regulations on data protection through the Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles (CDP), while also strengthening digital literacy through its Ministry of Digital Economy and Telecommunications. Universities such as Cheikh Anta Diop University are expanding AI-focused research, and coding schools like Sonatel Academy have broadened access to practical training. These investments ensure that the country is not only building infrastructure but also nurturing a new generation of AI-capable professionals.

Senegal’s readiness is further reflected in its growing ecosystem of startups and public-private partnerships applying AI in areas of national importance. In agriculture, machine learning models are being used for climate adaptation and yield prediction, helping farmers respond to shifting weather patterns. In governance, AI-driven digital platforms are streamlining tax collection and citizen services. Dakar’s innovation hubs are attracting regional attention, positioning Senegal as a West African leader in translating AI readiness into tangible development outcomes.

3. South Africa

South Africa has a score of 52.91, reflecting its position as one of the continent’s most advanced digital economies. AI readiness in South Africa is supported by a strong base of research institutions, established ICT infrastructure, and a large private sector that actively invests in emerging technologies. The Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, established in 2019, laid the groundwork for a structured national approach to artificial intelligence, ensuring that policy development keeps pace with global innovation trends.

The country’s strength lies in its robust institutional and technical capacity. Universities such as the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, and Wits University host advanced AI research labs and partner with international organizations on machine learning, robotics, and data science. South Africa’s corporate sector, particularly in finance, mining, and telecommunications, has adopted AI tools for fraud detection, predictive maintenance, and customer service optimisation, demonstrating how private investment is reinforcing national readiness. Government agencies have also expanded e-governance services, using digital platforms to improve transparency and service delivery.

South Africa’s innovation ecosystem continues to deepen through public-private collaborations and global partnerships. The Department of Science and Innovation supports AI-focused startups through innovation funds, while hubs like Tshimologong Digital Precinct in Johannesburg provide spaces for experimentation and training. AI is being applied in diverse areas, including precision agriculture, renewable energy management, and public health research. These ongoing efforts demonstrate how South Africa is using its readiness not only to adopt technology but also to position itself as a continental leader in shaping AI applications for sustainable development.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius ranks second in Africa with a score of 53.94, underlining how small states can leverage focused policy and institutional commitment to achieve digital transformation. The country has steadily positioned itself as a regional leader in AI readiness by embedding technology within its National Digital Transformation Roadmap. Government strategies treat artificial intelligence not only as an innovation tool but also as a pillar of economic diversification, supporting Mauritius’s ambition to evolve from a service-based economy into a knowledge-driven hub.

The country’s institutional environment has been key to its success. The Ministry of Technology, Communication, and Innovation has established frameworks for data protection, ethical AI, and digital identity systems, ensuring that adoption aligns with global standards. Investment in high-quality digital infrastructure, such as widespread internet penetration, secure data centers, and smart city projects in Port Louis and Ebene, has provided the technical foundation for AI applications. Educational institutions are expanding training in data science and machine learning, while the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council funds projects that apply AI to national development priorities.

Mauritius has also demonstrated its readiness through active experimentation and practical adoption. AI is being deployed in tourism for personalized services, in financial services for fraud prevention, and in agriculture for crop monitoring and smart irrigation. The government has supported incubators and accelerators to strengthen local entrepreneurship, while also partnering with international technology firms to transfer skills and knowledge. By combining strong governance, infrastructure, and practical innovation, Mauritius illustrates how strategic planning allows even smaller economies to achieve continental leadership in AI readiness.

1. Egypt

Egypt ranks first in Africa with a score of 55.63, showing its deliberate strategy to position artificial intelligence at the center of national development. The government adopted its National AI Strategy in 2021, making Egypt one of the few African countries with a comprehensive, long-term plan dedicated to AI. This framework is designed to drive digital transformation across education, healthcare, industry, and governance, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030. Its leading score demonstrates how policy direction, institutional readiness, and infrastructure investment can converge to establish continental leadership.

A central strength lies in Egypt’s institutional and human capital base. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) established the National Council for Artificial Intelligence to coordinate strategy implementation, while public universities and research centers are expanding specialized programs in AI and data science. Egypt has also attracted significant foreign partnerships, working with organizations like UNESCO and IBM to develop training programs. With a large pool of graduates in engineering and ICT, the country has the talent pipeline needed to sustain adoption and innovation.

Egypt’s progress is further reflected in practical applications. AI-powered solutions are being introduced in healthcare for diagnostics, in agriculture for precision farming, and in traffic management systems in Cairo to ease congestion. The government has also supported innovation hubs such as the Creativa centers, which nurture startups applying AI across diverse sectors. By linking policy with research, education, and industry, Egypt has created a multi-layered ecosystem that explains its top ranking.