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Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to surge from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by 2030, according to a new MasterCard report that urges countries to combine responsible AI adoption with stronger data infrastructure and aggressive skills development.
The whitepaper, released on 12 August 2025, positions AI as the continent’s next leapfrog moment after mobile money, with potential to transform industries, create jobs, and expand financial inclusion across Africa’s fast-growing economies.
“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” said Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard.
By Ruvarashe Gora
The report spotlights South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco as frontrunners in AI adoption, each leveraging the technology to solve local challenges. South Africa leads with advanced infrastructure and research capacity, while Kenya is making headway in AI-powered credit scoring and healthcare delivery in local languages. Nigeria’s vibrant start-up ecosystem is attracting significant venture capital, and Morocco is pushing AI in agriculture, energy, and healthcare under bold national digital strategies.
Elliott stressed that AI’s success in Africa depends on improving electricity access, expanding digitisation, and ensuring local datasets are diverse and high quality. He called for collaboration among small businesses, corporates, policymakers, and communities, warning that “the only good AI is responsible AI.”
Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, highlighted how the company’s AI-driven fraud detection systems in Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg demonstrate the impact of blending global expertise with local talent. However, he cautioned that scaling AI comes with the challenge of building public trust.
With one of the world’s youngest populations, the report concludes that Africa’s next big test is turning AI strategies into action by building robust infrastructure, nurturing homegrown talent, and ensuring AI benefits are shared equitably across all communities.
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