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REPORT

State of AI Policy in Africa 2025

Tracking progress across 20+ countries

A data-driven review of how African governments are turning AI strategies into real action — from budgets and laws to ethics and implementation.

How ready is Africa for AI?

We evaluated 20 countries using a 12-point rubric to see who’s moving from policy talk to tangible delivery — and where ambition still outpaces execution.

Inside the report

  • Detailed country analyses for 20+ African nations

  • The 12-point AI Governance Maturity Index

  • Top performers: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya

  • Common challenges in funding, law, and monitoring

  • Practical policy recommendations for governments and investors

Key figures and findings

Our 2025 index measures national AI policy maturity across design, implementation, governance, and engagement:

  • 23 countries analyzed

  • 12 scoring criteria

  • 2 top performers (Egypt, Ethiopia)

  • 4 recurring gaps: funding, law, ethics, monitoring

  • 35 countries with data protection laws but few with AI-specific ones

The result: strong intent, uneven delivery, and a clear path for policy acceleration.

Who should read this?

  • Government policymakers drafting or updating AI frameworks

  • Development partners funding digital governance initiatives

  • Researchers and analysts studying AI policy and regulation

  • Tech investors exploring emerging AI ecosystems

This report helps decision-makers move from aspiration to accountability.

This report is for you if you’ve ever asked:

  • Which African countries are leading in AI governance?

  • How far have AI strategies progressed beyond paper?

  • Why do most policies lack funding and monitoring?

  • What can governments do to close the delivery gap?

About Column

Column helps leaders shape public opinion through content and research.