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AI for Africa: Let’s Build Tech That Understands Us

• 1 min read

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world — from how we shop online to how we get medical help or grow food. But here’s the thing: a lot of this technology is designed far from Africa, without truly understanding how we live, work, or solve problems here.

So, how can AI actually help Africans in real, meaningful ways? The answer is simple: by making sure it’s built with our people, cultures, and needs in mind.

Not Just Any AI – We Need “African AI”

Africa isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’re a continent of more than 50 countries, thousands of languages, and countless traditions. What works in New York or Tokyo doesn’t always make sense in Kisumu or Kigali.

We need AI that:

  • Speaks our languages
  • Respects our cultures
  • Solves our everyday problems

From helping small farmers deal with unpredictable weather, to translating health info into local dialects so patients can actually understand what’s going on.

AI that’s “responsible” and “trustworthy” is great — but it must also be “context-aware.” In other words, it has to get us.

Good News: African Governments Are Taking the Lead

The exciting part? African countries are already stepping up. Just last week, Kenya launched its National AI Strategy (2025–2030) — a big step toward shaping the future of tech in our own image.

This strategy focuses on:

  • Building AI solutions that work for Kenyans
  • Training more people in AI skills
  • Making sure AI is fair, inclusive, and ethical

Kenya’s not alone. Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and others are also laying out plans to make AI part of their national development. It’s a clear sign: Africa isn’t just watching the tech revolution — we’re part of it.

Why Local Voices Matter in AI

Let’s be real — if AI is built without local voices, it’ll miss the mark. For example:

  • A voice assistant that can’t understand Swahili? Useless.
  • A health chatbot that gives advice that doesn’t fit local beliefs? Dangerous.
  • A farming app that assumes everyone has stable internet? Unrealistic.

That’s why Africans must be part of creating these tools — from the ground up. Developers, storytellers, farmers, teachers — everyone should have a say. Because AI that’s built with us will always work better for us.

Tech That Includes, Not Excludes

We also have to make sure AI doesn’t leave people behind. That means:

  • Creating tools for people with low literacy
  • Using local languages
  • Making tech affordable and easy to use

If we do it right, AI can help solve real challenges — like access to healthcare, better education, or helping small businesses grow.

Final Thoughts: Africa, This Is Our Moment

AI isn’t just a fancy thing for techies — it’s something that can improve lives. But only if we shape it to fit our people and our problems.

With national strategies rolling out and local innovation picking up speed, Africa has a real chance to lead the way in building tech that makes sense here. Let’s make sure AI isn’t just imported — but inspired by Africa.

Because at the end of the day, the best AI for Africa… is the one that truly understands Africa.

AI for Africa: Let’s Build Tech That Understands Us