Africa's Youth Leading the AI Revolution: A Vision for the Future

In a world defined by rapid technological advancements, Africa stands at the forefront of a new revolution. With a youthful and dynamic population, the continent has a unique opportunity to lead in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). A webinar hosted by Stratcom Group on 23 Aoril 2025 brought together thought leaders and innovators, including Edward Mabonga, CTO of Brains for AI, and Temitope Okeseeyin, a global HR-tech strategist and gig economy expert, to discuss how Africa can position itself to become a global leader in AI.

The discussions centred on leveraging Africa's youthful population, fostering education, and embracing AI as a transformative tool for economic and social development.

The Historical Context: Africa’s Leapfrog Moments
Edward Mabonga opened the discussion by drawing parallels between the technological waves Africa has experienced over the past few decades. He highlighted how Africa skipped the landline phase during the mobile revolution, embracing mobile phones and mobile money systems like M-Pesa, which revolutionized banking for the unbanked.

“This is essentially in my lifetime. To me, this is the third big wave we are facing—the AI revolution,” Mabonga said. He described AI as a “force multiplier,” capable of increasing productivity, innovation, and income generation. He predicted that the AI revolution could create the world’s first trillionaire, underscoring the immense financial and societal opportunities AI brings.

Mabonga emphasized that Africa’s youthful population is its greatest asset. With over 60% of the population under 25, the continent is uniquely positioned to embrace and lead the AI revolution. “The next 10 years are going to be revolutionary when it comes to integrating AI,” he said. “Africa’s youth have the brains and the energy to build solutions that not only address local challenges but also compete globally.”

AI as a Borderless Opportunity
One of the key takeaways from Mabonga’s presentation was the borderless nature of AI. Unlike traditional industries, AI transcends geographical boundaries, enabling African talent to participate in global markets without relocating. Mabonga pointed out that AI has already demonstrated its potential to disrupt and democratize industries, citing examples of small teams in China building AI models like DeepSick for a fraction of the cost of Western counterparts like ChatGPT.

He also shared real-world examples of AI applications, including a collaboration with a professor in Texas to use AI for genetic research. By analyzing large datasets, AI was able to identify patterns in minutes—something that would have taken human researchers weeks. This kind of innovation, Mabonga argued, can be applied to solve Africa’s pressing challenges, from healthcare to education.

“Africa has the opportunity to build the best brains in AI technology,” he said. “We need to start early, integrating AI education into our schools, and focus on creating local solutions to local problems.”

Temitope Okeseeyin: The Human-Centered Approach to AI
While Mabonga focused on the macro-level opportunities of AI, Temitope Okeseeyin brought a practical, human-centred perspective to the discussion. As an HR-tech strategist and thought leader, Temi emphasized the importance of integrating AI into everyday work and education to unlock Africa’s potential.

“The future of work is now,” Temi declared. “AI is not just a tool for engineers or tech experts. It’s a transformative infrastructure that can enhance productivity across all sectors.” She shared her personal journey of embracing AI, from using it to compose and produce music to leveraging it for HR processes and business strategy.

Generative AI: A Gateway to Innovation
Temi broke down the concept of generative AI, which includes tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Canva, that can generate text, images, videos, and even music. She shared an inspiring story of how she used AI to create an entire song—from writing the lyrics to producing the audio—demonstrating the creative possibilities of the technology.

“AI is a multiplier,” Temi explained. “It multiplies your voice, your vision, and your venture. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or a professional, AI can amplify your impact.”

AI in the Workplace
Temi also highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the workplace. She explained how AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and improve decision-making. For example, HR professionals can use AI to screen resumes, onboard employees, and personalize training programmes. Similarly, educators can use AI to tailor learning experiences to individual students, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“Don’t wait to become an expert,” she advised. “Start with simple tools, apply what you learn, and build from there. The key is to be curious, courageous, and creative.”

Education: The Foundation for Africa’s AI Future
Both speakers emphasized the critical role of education in preparing Africa’s youth for the AI revolution. Mabonga called for the integration of AI into school curricula, starting at the middle school level. He pointed out that countries like China are already teaching AI to students as young as 11, ensuring that their workforce is future-ready.

Temi echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for continuous learning and skill development. She encouraged individuals to take advantage of free online resources and join communities that foster AI education. “Learning without application is a waste of time,” she said. “Start projects, solve real problems, and document your journey. That’s how you build expertise and attract opportunities.”

Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
While the potential of AI is immense, both speakers acknowledged the challenges that come with it. Mabonga warned that AI could disrupt traditional industries, putting some jobs at risk. However, he argued that this disruption also creates opportunities for new kinds of work. “If you understand the changes coming, you can position yourself to partner with AI rather than compete against it,” he said.

Temi added that organizations and professionals must overcome resistance to change. She urged HR leaders to champion AI adoption in the workplace, not only to improve efficiency but also to future-proof their roles. “Don’t be the HR professional whose employees know more about AI than you do,” she cautioned. “Position yourself as a leader in this space.”

A Call to Action: Africa’s Time is Now
The webinar concluded with a powerful call to action. Both Mabonga and Temi stressed that Africa must seize this moment to lead in AI. The continent’s youthful population, combined with the borderless nature of AI, creates a unique opportunity to drive innovation and economic growth.

“We cannot wait for the rest of the world to solve our problems,” Mabonga said. “We have the talent, the creativity, and the resilience to build solutions that work for us.”

Temi added, “AI is not just the future; it’s the present. The sooner we embrace it, the sooner we can unlock its full potential for Africa.”

Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future
As Africa stands on the cusp of an AI revolution, the insights shared by Edward Mabonga and Temitope Okeseeyin provide a roadmap for the continent’s journey forward. By investing in education, fostering innovation, and embracing AI as a transformative tool, Africa can position itself as a global leader in technology.

The future is bright, and it belongs to Africa’s youth. With the right tools, mindset, and support, they can lead the world into the next era of innovation and progress.