Africa has made a bold stride toward digital sovereignty with the launch of the ACTS AI Institute (ACAII), a pioneering initiative by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) aimed at driving ethical and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the continent.
Unveiled this week, ACAII is set to become a leading hub for AI research, policy development, and innovation tailored to Africa’s unique social, economic, and cultural realities. Its mission is clear: to reclaim Africa’s narrative in the global AI space by developing technologies that serve African people, economies, and priorities.
“We’re not simply importing global solutions,” said Dr. Winston Ojenge, Head of ACAII. “We’re building a homegrown AI ecosystem rooted in African problems and African answers.”
The Institute’s work revolves around five core pillars: Responsible AI Solutions, AI Policy and Governance, AI and Jobs, Capacity Building, and Data Science. Each pillar targets equitable, sustainable deployment of AI across critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The urgency is clear. According to McKinsey, AI could contribute up to $103 billion annually to African economies. Yet, Africa’s participation in the global AI economy remains limited. ACAII aims to bridge that divide by training local talent, supporting African-led research, and strengthening policy frameworks.
At the launch, global partners reaffirmed support for Africa’s digital transformation. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and SIDA, co-founders of the AI4D initiative, praised the Institute’s inclusive focus. Kathryn Toure, IDRC’s Regional Director, noted that “researchers from marginalised communities are now leading life-changing AI projects.”
The European Union also committed support through its €500 million Horizon Europe Africa Initiative III, which includes funding for generative AI tools to uplift rural communities, women, and underserved groups.
Already, ACAII has started deploying AI-powered tools — including weather forecasting models for farmers and telehealth diagnostics for remote clinics. Beyond innovation, the Institute emphasises leadership, offering training programs for African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technologists.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, STISA-2024, and the Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030, ACAII represents a decisive shift in Africa’s digital journey — one driven not by dependency, but by homegrown vision and values.
As global eyes turn toward AI’s promise and pitfalls, Africa — through ACAII — is declaring its intention not only to participate, but to lead.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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