The Economics of Artificial Intelligence in Africa

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving, and as it reshapes markets, labour, and power across Africa, understanding its economics is essential. The African Observatory on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand, is pleased to announce a fully funded short course on the Economics of Artificial Intelligence in Africa.

Designed for policymakers, researchers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, students, and practitioners, the course equips participants with the tools to understand how AI is reshaping African economies. In addition, the course explores how economic policy, regulation, and investment decisions can shape the development and impact of AI in return.

Course Topics

The topics that will be covered in this course are:

• AI and Economic Development Pathways in Africa: Prof. Nagla Rizk
• Financing and investing in Africa’s AI Economy: Prof. Fola Adeleke
• AI and Regional Trade Integration in Africa: Prof Franziska Sucker
• AI, Fair Competition, and Market Power in Africa: Prof. Jonathan Klaaren
• African Data Economies and Digital Infrastructure: Dr. Karishma Banga
• AI and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Climate and Environmental Considerations: Prof. Fola Adeleke
• AI and Key Sectoral Transformations in Africa: Prof. Geci Karuri-Sebina
• Governance, Ethics, and the Political Economy of AI in Africa: Prof. Rachel Adams
• AI and Intellectual Property in Africa: Prof. Chijioke Okorie
• Labour Markets, Skills, and the Future of Work in Africa: Dr. Sufia Singlee

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, the attendees should be able to:

• Discuss AI technologies and their applications across digital entrepreneurship, public services, and key African industries.
• Interpret emerging African and global AI governance frameworks, regulatory tools, and standards.
• Assess AI systems through lenses of fairness, transparency, accountability, inclusion, and sustainability.
• Analyse how AI reshapes competition, market structures, and innovation ecosystems, and identify regulatory approaches to prevent abuse or exclusion.
• Evaluate regulatory strategies that balance innovation with public interest safeguards.

Assessment

This course will be assessed through:

• Reflection notes (50%)
• Policy Hackathon Assessment (50%)

Entry requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

General inquiries

Maria Matsoso: Maria.Matsoso@wits.ac.za

Global Center on AI Governance: courses@globalcenter.ai