Leveraging AI for Sustainable Development

AI holds transformative potential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa—from improving healthcare delivery and climate resilience to boosting agriculture and education systems. This paper, produced under the African Observatory on Responsible AI with support from Meta, offers a grounded analysis of how AI can meaningfully contribute to sustainable development. It draws attention to the barriers that must be addressed, such as infrastructural deficits, data inequities, and governance gaps, while underscoring the importance of ethical, inclusive, and locally informed innovation.

By framing AI as a tool for public good, the brief provides insights for policymakers, technologists, and development actors seeking to align AI with Africa’s development priorities. It also makes the case for responsible investments, multistakeholder collaboration, and policy coherence to ensure AI systems are deployed in ways that are safe, fair, and impactful.