A recent survey by Fortinet reveals a powerful trend of AI adoption across Africa, with 85% of companies in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria either already investing in or planning to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the next three to five years. This growing enthusiasm signals a recognition of AI’s potential to revolutionize business operations and foster innovation.
The survey, conducted among 750 CEOs, CTOs, and CIOs, highlights that Kenya and Egypt are leading the charge in AI adoption, with 90% and 89% of businesses in these countries planning significant AI investments in the coming years. In contrast, South Africa, traditionally seen as Africa’s technology leader, takes a more cautious approach with only 72% of respondents considering AI essential to their digital strategy, below the regional average.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 85% of companies surveyed are already investing in or planning AI adoption in the next 3-5 years.
- Integration with existing systems (60%), staff training (58%), and data privacy concerns (52%) are the main challenges in implementing AI.
- 80% of businesses view AI’s potential to enhance cybersecurity as a major factor driving investment decisions.
- Key applications of AI in cybersecurity include data leakage protection (64%), risk management (64%), and threat detection (63%).
- 82% of companies consider AI essential for improving operational efficiency.
Despite the strong interest in AI, the survey revealed significant challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. Although 80% of respondents view AI as a powerful tool for enhancing security, only 16% report advanced AI adoption for cybersecurity purposes. This gap indicates that businesses are not yet fully leveraging AI’s potential to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Another major hurdle is the skills gap. Across all surveyed markets, 58% of respondents highlighted staff training and upskilling as a critical factor limiting AI adoption. Fortinet emphasizes that for successful AI implementation, especially in cybersecurity, businesses need the right expertise. With a global cybersecurity talent shortage of approximately 4.8 million professionals, Fortinet is addressing this gap by offering free cybersecurity training to IT professionals.
While economic factors also play a role in AI adoption, particularly in South Africa, businesses need to adopt clear strategies that align AI with their overall business goals. This ensures that AI investments directly contribute to specific outcomes and are supported by senior leadership.
Fortinet’s long-standing experience in integrating AI into cybersecurity solutions uniquely positions the company to help African businesses navigate the complexities of AI adoption. By leveraging AI to enhance threat detection, prevention, and response, Fortinet is committed to strengthening security across the continent, empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Director at Fortinet South Africa, concludes that successful AI adoption requires the right combination of technology, strategy, and expertise. Partnerships with experienced AI providers will be critical in helping African businesses secure their operations and unlock the full potential of AI.
