The African Development Bank AfDB has released a new report outlining a strategic roadmap to unlock the economic and social potential of artificial intelligence AI across Africa. Developed under the G20 Digital Transformation Working Group, the report, Africas AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, examines how AI can drive productivity, economic expansion, and inclusive development across the continent.
The study, conducted by consulting firm Bazara Tech, estimates that inclusive deployment of AI could add up to US1 trillion to Africas GDP by 2035equivalent to nearly one-third of the continents current economic output. This growth potential is supported by Africas expanding digital infrastructure, youthful and growing population, and ongoing reforms across key sectors, positioning the continent as a major frontier for AI-driven development.
According to the report, AI-driven gains are expected to be concentrated in a number of high-impact sectors rather than evenly distributed across the economy. Five priority sectorsagriculture, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing and Industry 4.0, finance and financial inclusion, and health and life sciencesare projected to account for about 58 of total AI-related gains, or roughly US580 billion by 2035. These sectors were identified based on their economic weight, readiness to adopt AI technologies, and strong potential to deliver inclusive outcomes.
