Inclusive Innovation In AI Calls For A Collaborative Strategy

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, industry leaders warn that without urgent investment in AI research, cloud infrastructure, and tailored solutions, Africa’s potential will remain untapped.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, representing a 14% increase in GDP.

However, Africa, alongside Oceania and other Asian markets, is projected to capture only 5.6% of that growth—approximately $1.2 trillion—unless strategic steps are taken to bolster the continent’s AI capabilities.

Charles Emembolu, founder of TechQuest STEM Academy, warns that Africa’s current trajectory should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and innovators.

“Africa contributes less than 1% of global AI research output,” he says to FORBES AFRICA. “To change this, we need more AI-focused research centers and increased funding for African-led AI innovations.”

He adds that investment in AI-ready cloud computing, local data centers, and comprehensive AI education is critical.

Emembolu also advocates for a pan-African AI strategy to ensure ethical AI deployment and greater support for local startups.

“We must own and manage our data and develop models relevant to our unique languages and socioeconomic contexts,” Emembolu says.

“If we act decisively, Africa can redefine global AI innovation from an African perspective—one that is equitable, responsible, and transformative.”

Zain Verjee, CEO of global communications advisory theZVG, points to a development: DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI startup that seemingly challenges the notion that only certain nations or tech giants can play in the AI space.

“What DeepSeek has shown us is that creating advanced AI with small, lean teams is possible,” Verjee says to FORBES AFRICA.

“This allows Africa to start building its own language models, ensuring our stories, data sets, and histories are part of the global AI ecosystem.”

She stresses that homegrown solutions should replace imported systems. “If we develop our own open-source repositories and frameworks tailored to African languages and industries, it will be game-changing,” she adds.

Verjee praises initiatives, like data science competition platform, Zindi Africa, for advocating solutions crafted by Africans for Africa’s unique challenges.

She calls on African leaders to drive investment ecosystems and talent development, reiterating the importance of a collaborative approach across borders.

“Africa’s AI story must be written by Africans for Africans,” Verjee says. “This goes beyond technology—it’s about sovereignty, dignity, and creating solutions for our people.”

She urges leaders to avoid operating in silos and instead build pan-African sandboxes where universities, startups, and policymakers collaborate to develop ethical AI frameworks.

The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities.

 “If our leaders step up and our innovators lead, we can shift the paradigm and create a future where Africa is a leader in ethical, inclusive AI innovation,” concludes Verjee.