Here is what happened in AI in Africa this week:
1. $10 B AI Initiative Launched to Boost Jobs & Growth
📌 The African Development Bank and United Nations Development Programme launched the AI 10 Billion Initiative at the Nairobi AI Forum 2026 — a major continental push to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035 to expand AI adoption, build infrastructure, and create up to 40 million jobs across Africa. https://empowerafrica.com/afdb-and-undp-launch-10-billion-ai-initiative-to-create-40-million-jobs-across-africa/
2. African Union & Google Partner on AI & Digital Transformation
📌 The African Union and Google signed a new cooperation agreement to accelerate AI and digital transformation across Africa — focusing on governance, infrastructure, digital skills, and access to technology. https://techafricanews.com/2026/02/23/african-union-and-google-partner-to-drive-ai-and-digital-transformation-across-africa/
3. New AI Initiative to Support South Africa Small Businesses
📌 LeanTechnovations officially launched the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurial Institute of South Africa to support small and medium businesses with AI training, entrepreneurship support, and innovation tools. https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/leantechnovations-launches-ai-push-for-south-africas-small-businesses-qobndjmf
4. South Africa to Finalize AI Policy by 2027
📌 South Africa is moving forward with plans to finalize its national AI policy in the 2026–2027 year, aiming to balance innovation growth with regulation and governance — a big step for national AI strategy and tech leadership. https://iafrica.com/south-africa-to-finalize-national-ai-policy-by-2027-seeking-middle-ground-between-innovation-and-regulation/
5. Trilateral AI Pact Boosts Inclusive Innovation
📌 At the AI Impact Summit 2026, Kenya, India, and Italy announced a strategic partnership to support sovereign AI development in Africa, focusing on inclusive and locally relevant AI solutions in areas like agriculture, healthcare and education. https://m.economictimes.com/ai/ai-insights/india-italy-and-kenya-partner-to-drive-sovereign-ai-adoption-across-africa/articleshow/128616985.cms