Africa’s Growth Hinge: AI, Youth And Smart Partnerships, Say Motlanthe Forum Experts

Speakers at the Kgalema Motlanthe Inclusive Growth Forum have highlighted the urgent need for Africa to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, while leveraging the continent’s youth dividend.

Experts warned that Africa continues to lag in digital adoption, with public and private sector partnerships identified as essential to prevent digital poverty and ensure shared prosperity. Delegates also emphasised the role of resilient public infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.

MTN CEO Ralph Mupita stressed the foundational role of energy and digital infrastructure in enabling a robust AI ecosystem.

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“We need electricity in Africa in order to power the systems that are behind this generative AI and future forms of AI like artificial general intelligence and super intelligence, so the main thing is electricity.

“We need to build more data centres and have fibreisation of the continent. We need about $100 billion of investment. The third thing is that our languages must come into those AI systems. The fourth is around digital skilling,” Mupita said.

Trade Negotiations and Fiscal Priorities Take Centre Stage

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau revealed that trade discussions with the United States are at a sensitive stage, involving complex issues including black economic empowerment.

“There are hot button issues…some of those issues we’re dealing with but on the trade side we’re beginning to make significant progress,” Tau said.

Meanwhile, Mmusi Maimane, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, highlighted the importance of reducing debt and improving allocations for essential public services.

“Unemployment is sitting over 32% on a narrow definition…one of the things I’ll be looking for is – where do we put foreign direct investment, and how do we attract it to counter the ballooning debt burden?” Maimane said.

Tackling Debt and Mobilising Resources for Sustainable Development

Former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel pointed out that high debt levels and the cost of capital are major obstacles across the continent.

“The bulk of countries on the continent spend more on debt service than they do on health and about 20% of countries spend more on debt service than they do on education so you don’t default against the bank but you default against the people,” Manuel said.

Forum speakers underlined that mobilising resources and curbing illicit financial flows are essential steps for sustainable development in Africa.

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