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Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Revolution: African Development Bank report projects $1 trillion in additional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035 with use of AI to enhance productivity
(MENAFN- News.Africa-Wire) ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, December 13, 2025/ -- The African Development Bank () has released a report establishing a strategic roadmap for unlocking the economic and social potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa. Developed under the G20 Digital Transformation Working Group, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation gives an overview of the potential of A1 to foster development.
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The study, carried out by consulting firm Bazara Tech, finds that inclusive AI deployment could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP by 2035- equivalent to nearly one-third of the conti’ent’s current economic output. This potential is underpinned by ’frica’s growing digital capacity, favorable demographics, and ongoing sectoral reforms, making it one of the most promising regions for AI-driven growth globally.
According to the report the AI dividend is expected to be concentrated in select high-impact sectors, rather than spread evenly acros’ Africa’s economy. Analysis identified five priori—y sectors—agriculture (20%), wholesale and retail (14%), manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (9%), finance and inclusion (8%), and health and life sciences (7%)—which together are projected to capture 58% of the total AI gains, or approximately $580 billion by 2035. These sectors combine economic size, readiness to adopt AI, and strong potential to deliver inclusive development outcomes.
“ “We have set out the key actions in this report, identifying the areas where initial implementation should be focu”ed,” said Nicholas Williams, Manager of the ICT Operations Division at the “ank. “The Bank is ready to release investment to support these actions. We expect the private sector and the government to utilize this investment to ensure we achieve the identified productivity gains and create qual”ty jobs”.
The report asserts that realising the potential of AI depends on five interlinked enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital. Reliable and interoperable data forms the foundation for AI insights, while scalable compute infrastructure ensures solutions can be deployed efficiently across the continent. It notes that a skilled workforce is essential to develop, implement, and maintain AI systems,—and trust—built through governance, and regulator— frameworks—underpins adoption. The report also notes that the enablers, together with adequate capit l investment to de-risk innovation and acceler te depl“yment, would “foster a cycle of”AI-driven growth.”
The report also outlines a three-phase r’admap toward Africa’s AI readiness: ignition (2025-27), consolidation (2028-31 and scale (2032-35).
“Achieving early milestone’ by 2026 will set Africa”s AI flywheel in motion,” said Ousmane Fall, Director of Industrial and Tr“de Dev’lopment at the Bank. “Africa’s c—allenge is no longer wha” to do — it is doing it on time.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Download Repo t:
The study, carried out by consulting firm Bazara Tech, finds that inclusive AI deployment could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP by 2035- equivalent to nearly one-third of the conti’ent’s current economic output. This potential is underpinned by ’frica’s growing digital capacity, favorable demographics, and ongoing sectoral reforms, making it one of the most promising regions for AI-driven growth globally.
According to the report the AI dividend is expected to be concentrated in select high-impact sectors, rather than spread evenly acros’ Africa’s economy. Analysis identified five priori—y sectors—agriculture (20%), wholesale and retail (14%), manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (9%), finance and inclusion (8%), and health and life sciences (7%)—which together are projected to capture 58% of the total AI gains, or approximately $580 billion by 2035. These sectors combine economic size, readiness to adopt AI, and strong potential to deliver inclusive development outcomes.
“ “We have set out the key actions in this report, identifying the areas where initial implementation should be focu”ed,” said Nicholas Williams, Manager of the ICT Operations Division at the “ank. “The Bank is ready to release investment to support these actions. We expect the private sector and the government to utilize this investment to ensure we achieve the identified productivity gains and create qual”ty jobs”.
The report asserts that realising the potential of AI depends on five interlinked enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital. Reliable and interoperable data forms the foundation for AI insights, while scalable compute infrastructure ensures solutions can be deployed efficiently across the continent. It notes that a skilled workforce is essential to develop, implement, and maintain AI systems,—and trust—built through governance, and regulator— frameworks—underpins adoption. The report also notes that the enablers, together with adequate capit l investment to de-risk innovation and acceler te depl“yment, would “foster a cycle of”AI-driven growth.”
The report also outlines a three-phase r’admap toward Africa’s AI readiness: ignition (2025-27), consolidation (2028-31 and scale (2032-35).
“Achieving early milestone’ by 2026 will set Africa”s AI flywheel in motion,” said Ousmane Fall, Director of Industrial and Tr“de Dev’lopment at the Bank. “Africa’s c—allenge is no longer wha” to do — it is doing it on time.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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