Africa must close its energy and connectivity gaps to fully benefit from artificial intelligence, emphasized Google executive James Manyika.
Manyika, senior vice president of research, technology and society at Google and co-chair of the UN Secretary‑General’s high‑level advisory body on AI, said the continent’s power shortages and unreliable internet remain major obstacles to AI adoption . “AI can only thrive where people have access to consistent electricity and broadband,” he remarked.
Despite these challenges, Manyika sees vast opportunity. Africa’s entrepreneurial energy, he noted, holds promise if infrastructure and policy support improve. He cited examples like Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and Mauritius, which have begun implementing national AI strategies and regulatory frameworks.
Across Africa, gaps in power, connectivity, digital skills, and government-led AI coordination continue to hamper progress. Manyika highlighted the necessity of continental-scale cooperation — for instance via the African Continental Free Trade Area’s digital protocol — to attract investment, build infrastructure and spur inclusive innovation.
The rewards could be transformative. According to Brookings’ Foresight Africa 2025–30, AI and emerging technologies could significantly boost productivity, help close development gaps, and potentially double GDP growth in some African economies by 2035. Meanwhile, projections suggest AI might contribute up to $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, helping lift millions out of poverty .
Manyika concluded that Africa has the talent and innovation to lead the next phase of global AI—but only if essential infrastructure and governance frameworks are put in place to support it.
