Here is what happened in AI in Africa this week:
1. Morocco Strengthens Industrial AI with Global Partner
📌 Morocco’s OCP Group partnered with Mistral AI to build responsible, secure, and scalable AI models tailored to industry needs — including a new “Judge Model” to evaluate and govern AI agents. This collaboration also involves UM6P’s research ecosystem to boost local AI R&D. https://africa-news-agency.com/morocco-ocp-mistral-ai-strengthen-industrial-ai/
2. AMLD Africa 2026: Building AI “the African Way”
📌 At the AMLD Africa 2026 conference, leaders urged a focus on Africa-led AI and machine learning research, education, and innovation — highlighting the role of local talent and context-driven AI solutions. https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2026/2026-02/building-ai-the-african-way.html
3. South African Researcher Wins Global AI Grant
📌 A University of Cape Town (UCT) researcher received a major international grant to study how AI affects youth employment — an important step toward evidence-based AI policy and skills development. https://iafrica.com/uct-researcher-wins-global-grant-to-study-ais-impact-on-youth-employment-in-south-africa/
4. Rise of AI Mental Health Chatbots in Nigeria
📌 AI-powered chatbots like Chat Kemi and FriendnPal are being used in Nigeria to help fill critical gaps in mental health care access, offering affordable support and referrals — though experts call for stronger ethical governance. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/feb/12/nigeria-mental-health-ai-chatbots-psychiatry-therapy-depression-privacy
Which news excites you most and why?
These updates shape the industry. Stay informed, stay ahead!