The African Development Bank (AfDB) has projected that artificial intelligence (AI) could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035 if the continent fully embraces the technology.
This growth would be equivalent to nearly one-third of Africa’s current economic output, highlighting AI’s potential to reshape development across the region.
AfDB, in its new report, reveals that Africa’s total GDP could rise from about $4.23 trillion to $5.23 trillion over the next decade if AI adoption accelerates across key sectors.
The bank estimates that 35–40 million new digital jobs could be created and that governments might see an extra $150 billion in annual tax revenues by 2035.
The report highlights five industries expected to contribute most to the AI-driven economic gains which are Agriculture ($200 billion), Retail( $140 billion), Manufacturing ($90 billion), Financial services ($80 billion) and Healthcare ($70 billion).
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These sectors together could account for nearly 60 percent of the projected increase in GDP.
To capture this opportunity, Africa must overcome several hurdles. The AfDB identifies five critical priorities which are Data systems that are robust and include local languages and contexts.
It also cited computer infrastructure, with better access to high-performance AI computing resources and skills development to train millions of workers for new digital jobs.
Governance and ethical frameworks to build trust and guide AI use, investment to fund technology deployment and innovation were also critical priorities cited by AfDB.
Only a tiny fraction of global internet content is available in African languages, and Africa accounts for less than 1 percent of global data-centre capacity which are gaps that must be addressed if the full potential of AI is to be realised.
The AfDB outlines a three-phase roadmap to build AI readiness across the continent.
The bank said coordinated action by governments, businesses, investors and civil society will be essential to unlock the transformative economic benefits of Artificial Intelligence.
