Joy Agwunobi
Africa’s growing appetite for technology is placing the continent on the cusp of a new digital revolution powered by artificial intelligence (AI). But to fully capture the estimated $16.5 billion economic boost by 2030, Mastercard says African nations must move beyond experimentation and adopt practical measures that can turn AI into an inclusive engine of growth.
This was highlighted in its “Harnessing the Transformative Power of AI in Africa”, which positions the continent as one of the world’s most fertile grounds for AI adoption in the coming years.
The report sets out 10 recommendations that could help governments, businesses, and communities translate AI promise into measurable social and economic impact.
At the heart of the recommendations is investment in digital infrastructure. Mastercard stresses that extending connectivity and cloud infrastructure into rural and underserved areas will ensure more Africans can benefit from digital services such as telemedicine, online learning, and mobile-enabled financial products. Without these foundations, the report warns, the AI revolution could deepen existing inequalities rather than bridge them.
Empowering people with knowledge
Equally critical is the push for digital and financial literacy. Strengthening knowledge and awareness will help citizens engage safely with emerging technologies, reduce vulnerability to cyber fraud, and ensure groups at risk of exclusion—such as women, youth, and small enterprises—are able to fully participate in the digital economy.
Prioritising homegrown innovation
The report also highlights the importance of local innovation. Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity requires solutions tailored to specific contexts. Prioritising indigenous innovation, Mastercard says, will enable communities to design AI tools that reflect their realities, rather than relying solely on imported models that may not align with local needs.
Targeting transformative sectors
To maximise impact, Mastercard recommends that AI investments be directed into key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and energy. These areas, already central to Africa’s development agenda, could see AI enhance food security, improve medical access, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen sustainable energy systems.
Governance and trust
The report calls for balanced AI policies that safeguard human rights and reflect African values. By embedding ethical frameworks, governments can build public trust in AI while ensuring accountability and transparency in its application.
Collaboration across the ecosystem
No single stakeholder can achieve this transformation alone. Mastercard advocates for inclusive collaboration between governments, private companies, and grassroots organisations, ensuring that AI projects draw from diverse perspectives and secure broad-based support.
Unlocking regional trade
In a continent where cross-border commerce is often hampered by fragmented systems, the development of AI-integrated cross-border payment platforms could accelerate regional trade, empower small traders, and bring millions of unbanked Africans into the formal economy.
Data as a national asset
Strong data ecosystems are another priority. By establishing processes for collecting, managing, and responsibly sharing high-quality data sets that reflect Africa’s diversity, policymakers and businesses can unlock insights that drive better decision-making and ensure AI models capture African realities.
Nurturing local talent
Mastercard also stresses the need for AI talent and education initiatives. Investing in training programmes and curricula designed for Africa will cultivate a skilled workforce capable of building and maintaining AI systems tailored to the continent’s needs.
Inspiring the next generation
Finally, the report urges governments and private actors to celebrate local success stories. Showcasing African researchers and entrepreneurs who are already applying AI in practical ways will create role models, shift perception challenges, and inspire more people to innovate with technology.
Mastercard’s perspective
Commenting on the findings, Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at Mastercard, stressed that AI has moved far beyond experimental stages.
“Africa’s engagement with AI is already reshaping lives — not just in labs, but in farms, clinics and classrooms. To unlock its full potential, we need investment in infrastructure, data, talent, and policy. At Mastercard, we believe responsible, locally rooted AI can drive inclusive growth and connect more people to opportunity,” he said.
Elliott underscored the importance of Africa’s youthful demographic in driving this transformation. “Home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of about 19 years, technological development assumes greater significance in Africa. The youth are among the earliest adopters and most frequent users of digital tools. Tapping into this pool of talent requires creating pathways to enable access to education and developing opportunities for growth,” he added.
He however pointed out that for Africa to realise its full potential, structural challenges must be addressed. “Parts of the continent face gaps in infrastructure, where connectivity is intermittent, and energy access is limited. Rapid gains from AI are possible if infrastructure powers electricity access and digitisation. Also, ensuring that AI is powered by local, contextually diverse data is crucial,” Elliott explained.
Greg Ulrich, chief AI and data officer at Mastercard, reinforced this point, stressing that trust will determine AI’s long-term success. “AI is only as powerful as the trust behind it. At Mastercard, we’re committed to building AI that’s responsible, inclusive, and built to bring value to our customers, partners and employees. This isn’t just innovation—it’s innovation with integrity,” he said.
He added that Africa is not a passive consumer of technology but an active innovator. “From the early rise of mobile payments to today’s momentum around AI, the continent is shaping the future on its own terms. Mobile wallets have transformed transactions across cities and rural communities, while affordable sensors are helping farmers make smarter decisions. Now, AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” Ulrich noted.
