Dubai AI Week, inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan, emphasizes AI as the foundation for the city’s future. The event brings together global experts, policymakers, and businesses to accelerate AI adoption, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, economic growth, and preparing societies for a tech-driven future.
Morocco aims to boost its economy with a 10% GDP increase by 2030 through its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, investing $1.1 billion by 2026. The plan focuses on digitizing government services, blockchain adoption, and expanding AI use across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, creating jobs and training youth in digital skills.
This article evaluates the AI readiness and opportunities in 10 African countries, highlighting strengths, challenges, and strategies to harness AI for economic growth, social development, and regional leadership. While AI adoption is varied, investments in infrastructure, governance, and human capital are critical to unlocking the continent’s AI potential.
A survey of African CEOs reveals AI is a top priority for businesses, with a strong focus on cybersecurity. Kenya and Egypt lead in AI adoption, while South Africa adopts a more cautious approach. The survey also highlights skills gaps and the importance of staff training for successful AI implementation.
The “Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024” study reveals that 76% of businesses across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East see AI and cloud computing as key to sustainable development. However, concerns over energy consumption remain, with businesses emphasizing the importance of green technologies and human oversight in AI.
du has launched Microsoft 365 Copilot internally to boost workplace productivity and support AI adoption, aligning with the national vision. By equipping employees with AI-powered tools, the company aims to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and enhance collaboration, positioning itself as an AI-driven leader in the telecommunications sector.
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a five-year partnership with Scale AI to enhance AI adoption and training within government operations. The deal aims to develop 50 AI-driven use cases by 2029, focusing on automation, predictive analytics, and workforce upskilling for digital transformation.
KPMG’s Unlocking Government’s Technology Future report highlights the UAE’s leadership in digital transformation, with a focus on AI and emerging technologies. The report reveals challenges in AI adoption, including trust and talent shortages, while emphasizing the importance of government action in enabling AI growth and ensuring successful, transparent implementation.
Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, highlights Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital transformation, driven by quick decision-making and evolving regulations. ZainTECH’s business in the Kingdom has doubled year-over-year, reflecting the country’s technological growth. Hanna also emphasizes practical AI adoption, incremental digital transformation, and the importance of cybersecurity in the region’s future.
The CGEM has launched the “Génération AI” program to help 1,000 Moroccan SMEs adopt AI, providing access to LinkedIn learning licenses and training on digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable development. This initiative aims to boost competitiveness and drive Morocco’s digital transformation, positioning SMEs for growth in the digital era.
