In Africa, AI and Tech investment remains concentrated in the “Big Four” – South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria – at the expense of other countries across the continent. Steering investment to prepare countries for AITo attract capital toward AI start-ups, a country must itself be ready for AI. The AI Investment Potential Index (AIIPI), a research initiative, highlights that this adoption also relies on economic, political and social factors. Sovereign funds and instruments dedicated to new technologiesOnce a country’s AI investment strategy has been defined, the question of AI financing instruments arises. Development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank or the West African Development Bank, are launching initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of the continent’s digital economy.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 17, 2026 16:25 UTC