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Tracking progress across 20+ African countries
A data-driven review of how African governments are turning AI strategies into real action — from budgets and laws to ethics and implementation.
Shehu, M., & Onunwa, G. (2025). State of AI Policy in Africa 2025. Column Content.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?