APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
Mastercard says that digital jobs on the African continent can surge to 230 million by 2030, driven largely by responsible and inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence.
In a comprehensive whitepaper titled ‘Harnessing the Transformative Power of AI in Africa, Mastercard examines Africa’s readiness, opportunities, and roadmap for AI deployment across key industries, including agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, and finance.
It highlights how AI, if developed with local context and integrity, has the potential to revolutionise economic sectors and accelerate job creation.
The Division President, Africa, Mastercard, Mark Elliott, said in a statement that “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.”
The whitepaper underlines Africa’s unique demographics, mobile-first infrastructure, and entrepreneurial spirit as critical factors positioning the continent as a key architect of the AI-driven future. According to recent data cited in the report, Africa’s AI market is projected to grow from $4.5bn in 2025 to $16.5bn by 2030.
Chief AI and Data Officer at Mastercard, Greg Ulrich, added, “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.”
The report details regional developments underscoring the continent’s AI potential. In South Africa, which attracted $610m in AI-focused venture capital in 2023, national plans aim to develop 300 AI startups and train 5,000 AI professionals by 2030. Kenya’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030) fosters research and innovation, supporting platforms like Tala, which uses mobile data for credit scoring, and Jacaranda Health’s AI chatbot UlizaLlama, which offers maternal health assistance in five local languages.
According to the report, Nigeria, ranked second in Africa for AI startups, secured $218m in venture capital investment in 2023 and is leveraging AI for personalised learning through Rising Academies, microfinance with Kudi.ai, and governance with AI tools monitoring public fund allocation. The country’s AI market is forecasted to reach $1.4bn by 2025.
GIK/APA