Is Africa on the verge of a true AI revolution, or is it at risk of being left behind in the global tech race? June 2025 was the month the hype met reality, as high-level policy began translating into tangible action on the ground.

In this episode, we go beyond the headlines to dissect the real story of AI in Africa. We unpack the staggering 40% year-on-year growth in startup funding and put it in the sobering context of the massive global investment gap. We'll take you inside Nigeria's aggressive new strategy as it partners with giants like Meta and the Gates Foundation to build a homegrown AI powerhouse. We follow the money, from the landmark $10 million deal for Senegalese healthtech pioneer Kera Health to the 15 innovative startups just accepted into Google's prestigious accelerator program.

Join us as we explore the critical questions defining the continent's future:

• Can Africa train the one million AI practitioners it urgently needs to compete?

• How is the principle of "Ubuntu" shaping a uniquely African approach to AI ethics and governance?

• And will the continent overcome its critical infrastructure deficit to finally move from a consumer of foreign tech to a creator of its own destiny?

Whether you're an investor, a policymaker, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of global technology, this is a must-listen episode. Tune in to the Acentrium AI Report to understand the challenges, the opportunities, and the people building the future of AI in Africa.

May 2025 was a pivotal month for Artificial Intelligence in Africa, characterized by significant policy advancements, strategic investments, and a burgeoning innovation ecosystem. A key moment was the African Union formally declaring AI a strategic priority for the continent, outlining a commitment to develop essential digital infrastructure collaboratively, high-quality datasets, compute capabilities, specialized skills, and robust research capacity. National AI strategies and guidelines continued emerging or progressing in countries like Nigeria (Lagos State) and Kenya. Significant investments were announced, notably Safaricom's commitment of $500 million to develop AI infrastructure across East Africa over the next three years, aiming to enhance connectivity and establish a robust, scalable AI ecosystem. Partnerships like Wingu Africa and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) also launched initiatives to support local startups.AI-driven innovations saw notable progress, particularly in the healthcare sector, leveraging AI to improve diagnostics for diseases prevalent in Africa, enhance access, and manage health systems. Agriculture also benefited, with AI-powered tools helping farmers detect pests and diseases and providing tailored recommendations. These developments reflect a continent-wide push to leverage technology for societal benefit and a strong emphasis on homegrown AI solutions tailored to uniquely African contexts. Despite the positive momentum, persistent challenges in infrastructure, data governance, talent development, and securing sustainable funding were underscored, highlighting the complex path ahead. Nevertheless, the period signalled Africa's clear intent to not just participate in, but actively shape its own AI-powered future.

March and April 2025 were pivotal months for AI in Africa, marked by major policy strides and groundbreaking innovations. In this episode, we unpack Kenya’s landmark National AI Strategy, the African Union’s critical discussions on AI governance and security, and the rise of startups like Smartly Africa, which is revolutionizing language models for the continent. We also dive into the challenges holding back progress—such as infrastructure gaps and funding disparities—and explore the immense opportunities ahead, including Africa’s youth demographic dividend. Join us for an insightful look at how Africa is navigating the AI revolution and shaping its future.