Connectivity Was the First Step
Over the past two decades, Africa’s digital transformation has focused on expanding access. Governments, operators, and development partners invested heavily in mobile networks and broadband, bringing millions of people online for the first time.
This progress has been significant. Mobile money improved financial inclusion, smartphones accelerated internet usage, and wireless networks helped overcome infrastructure gaps.
But the landscape is changing.
Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-driven technologies are now shaping how economies compete. In this environment, access alone is no longer enough. Increasingly, value is created by those who control the infrastructure, platforms, and data behind these technologies.
This is creating a new kind of digital divide. It is less visible than access gaps, but potentially more important.
The Shift from Access to Participation
Africa has shown an ability to leapfrog traditional development stages. Mobile technology allowed many countries to bypass fixed infrastructure and build digital services quickly.
Artificial intelligence presents a different challenge.
Developing and deploying AI systems requires large-scale computing power, data infrastructure, and specialised skills. These capabilities are currently concentrated in a small number of countries and global technology firms.
While Africa generates growing volumes of digital data from mobile usage, payments, and online services, much of the value linked to that data is captured outside the continent.
This raises an important question. Will Africa mainly consume AI-powered services, or will it play a more active role in creating them?
The concern is not exclusion. AI adoption across Africa will continue to grow. The concern is dependency, where local markets rely heavily on external platforms for critical services and economic activity.
Building the Foundations for the Next Phase
Connectivity remains essential, but future competitiveness will depend on broader ecosystem development.
This includes investment in data centres, cloud infrastructure, Internet Exchange Points, cybersecurity systems, and reliable energy.
Energy is particularly important. AI infrastructure requires significant and stable power, and in many African countries electricity reliability remains a challenge.
There is also an opportunity to focus on practical AI applications that address local priorities. Areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services could benefit significantly from well-targeted solutions.
Africa also has structural strengths. A young population, growing digital adoption, and an expanding technology ecosystem provide a strong foundation. Turning this potential into long-term value will require coordinated investment, skills development, and supportive policy environments.
What This Means for Business and Policy Leaders
The shift toward AI is not only a technology issue. It has wider economic and strategic implications.
• Dependence on external platforms may increase
Relying heavily on imported AI services could limit local value creation.
• Infrastructure decisions are becoming more important
Investments in cloud, data, and connectivity will shape future competitiveness.
• Data is becoming a key economic asset
How it is managed and used will influence where value is captured.
• Energy and digital development are increasingly linked
Reliable power is essential for scaling digital infrastructure.
• Partnerships will play a central role
The challenge is not whether to work with global players, but how to do so in ways that support local participation.
Key Questions for Leaders to Consider
• Where does our organisation or country sit in the AI value chain?
• How dependent are we on external technology platforms?
• Are we investing enough in infrastructure and skills?
• How are we managing and using our data?
• What steps are needed today to support long-term digital competitiveness?
Conclusion
Africa has made significant progress in expanding connectivity, but the next phase of the digital economy will be shaped by more than access alone.
The key issue is participation.
AI adoption across the continent will continue, but the real question is whether Africa captures meaningful value from it. That will depend on investments in infrastructure, skills, and ecosystems that support innovation and local capability.
The next digital divide will not be defined by who is connected, but by who participates and benefits from the systems shaping the future global economy.